26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C
Abraham replied, “remember that during your life good things came your way, just as bad things came the way of Lazarus.” Today this gospel speaks to us about brotherly love. If we love someone, we share our possessions and our time with them. But greed gets the better of us and we become selfish to our neighbour.
We hear the rich man enjoying a life of luxury, eating and drinking the best foods. However, he was not being reprimanded for this. We can live comfortably and enjoy good food and drink, there’s no problem with that.
The problem the Lord is addressing is that Lazarus was ignored, he was not given any support. There was no charity towards him. The sin is that the rich man, did nothing, nothing at all. It is similar to the parable of the Good Samaritan. When the Priests and Levites crossed over to walk on the other side, ignoring the beaten man. How often do we ignore our neighbour in need? Is it something we need to address ourselves in our daily life?
The story of Lazarus is providing us today, with an opportunity to exercise charity, to overcome selfishness in order to attain eternal salvation.
We hear the rich man wanting to send down a message to his five brothers, so they won’t fall into the same fate.
We can also see this in ourselves, being like the ‘five brothers.’ We have been told the Good News, through the Church, at School and possibly through further studies. However, do we accept it, do we allow it to change and mould our lives. Nobody is exempt from the responsibilities that we have been given through Baptism to help the less fortunate. As Christians we have an obligation to help the poor and the needy.
Times are stuff at the minute with financial pressures. Many people are wondering how to pay the bills and also how to provide food for the table. This is causing grieve and anxiety around the UK. Supporting local charities like food banks will always help people who are like Lazarus needing that extra bit of support. May we could be outreaching in our generosity.
We have all one common vocation in life. There is only one reason why we are here on earth. Through God’s love, he gives us life, a free gift, in order for us to be united with him forever. Our common vocation is Sainthood. We are all called to become Saints, united with the Trinity. In our second reading today, we have heard “O man of God, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.” We can only do this with God’s grace. Through prayer and receiving the Sacraments of the Church. Jesus Christ, the Word of God, is the source of Our Good News.
We, as human beings are unique, we are all different, in one way or another. We are all priceless in God’s eyes, and we should also see our neighbour as being priceless in our eyes too. People are more precious than any job or money that is earnt. When something is priceless, we look after it well. May we do the same with the poor and disadvantaged in our world. As a disciple of Christ we are asked to be an example to others to follow.
If you ever get struck and unsure what you should do in a situation, ask yourself what would Jesus do, and the Holy Spirit will guide you along the right path.
May God’s Word, penetrate your hearts, in Hope, Love and Charity. May we never deviate our focus on doing what is right, looking forward towards Jesus Christ, for the Glory of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Rev. Fr Philip Wrigley's Blog 