Reflection on Today's Gospel Reading: Luke 16: 19-31

Luke 16:19-31

The Rich Man and Lazarus

 

¹⁹ “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. ²⁰ At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores ²¹ and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

²² “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. ²⁴ So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

²⁵ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. ²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

²⁷ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, ²⁸ for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’

²⁹ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’

³⁰ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’

³¹ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

 

To Listen to the Reading "Here"

 

Something to think about (Reflection):

• God is very much a part of our lives and is aware of what's going on our lives. Remember  that what is going on in our lives is there to help us grow in some way. We lose sight of this and the understanding that God is with us, when we complain.
• Ask yourself, "What  is it that we ignore in our life everyday?"
• Do not overlook the obvious. For example:
• Giving someone a kind word.
• Giving someone a phone call.
• Giving someone a pat on the back.
• Lazarus is a symbol of a Christ-like opportunity.
• Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today.
• On the contrary: If you need help, ask.
• Don't wait until it's too late.
• The rich man wanted someone from the dead to return to help his brothers as firsthand experience. Abraham reminds that not all may believe.
• Jesus came back from the dead and there are still those who do not believe.
• Thomas had to see Jesus, who had died to bring us salvation, for himself to believe.
• On the contrary: Those who believe without seeing are assured a place in heaven.

Take a moment today to take the opportunity rather than ignore it.

God Bless You!

These were some notes from a member of the church after hearing today's homily.