Saint Luke's account of Jesus' challenging preaching continues this week with the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Despite the fact that wealth is involved, however, complacency seems to be the sin condemned here, especially in the light of the First Reading. There, the prophet Amos denounces "the complacent in Zion," so absorbed in their revelry they fail to recognize the country collapsing around them! Like the wealthy of ancient Israel, the rich man pays no attention to Lazarus, who would have been content with mere scraps. The rich man who lived his selfish and self-centered life is forgotten, because he failed to attain to the measure of a true person due to his failure to love his neighbor and his failure to acknowledge and find his life in God. After his death, he ended at a place of torment. The poor man Lazarus, on the other hand, who sat at the rich man’s gate, begging and receiving nothing but scorns, has found great glory in heaven because of his patience and humility.
Perhaps today we may ponder upon the meaning of this Gospel message. What most absorbs my time and attention in my life? In the parable, a man is absorbed and pays attention to himself as he has “everything” he needed to make him happy, and yet the message turns such an attitude of what makes a person happy and successful upside down. In this story, Jesus paints a dramatic scene of contrasts – riches and poverty, heaven and hell, compassion and indifference, inclusion and exclusion. We also see an abrupt and dramatic reversal of fortune.
Many people in our modern “sophisticated” times say and try to convince others of their own personal opinion that hell does not exist. They grasp a phantom god, who is more accessible, and far less demanding. Many cling to Christianity without Christ, to discipleship of Christ without the Cross. Many are attracted to a god who is “politically correct” who brings people without a judgment through the gates of heaven. The gamble is incredibly great for those who take this modern view of an automatic salvation for all, for those who do believe this might very well live with eternal regret (incidentally, this view has already been condemned as a lie in the 5th and 6th centuries).
This is a hard message for us to hear, especially where in a country, despite our wealth, millions of individuals and families struggle to make ends meet. In a world where nearly two billion people live on a mere dollar a day, the Gospel demands that we ask ourselves whether we have been complacent to the needs of our sisters and brothers. Do you know the joy and freedom of possessing God as your true and lasting treasure? Those of us who put our hope and security in heaven will never be disappointed.
On Friday, October 4th church celebrates the Feast of St Francis of Assisi. Francis born in Umbria, Italy in 1191, and is the founder of the Franciscan Order. St Francis is one of the most popular and beloved saints. He is the patron of many causes among which, patron of animals is one of the favorite ones. He is known for his charismatic personality, deep compassion for all, in particular love for God’s creation, he denounced his family wealth to follow “Lady Poverty” he was canonized only two years after his death. In celebration of the Feast Day of St Francis we have a Blessing of Animals on Friday, at 6:00 pm in front of the church. Please join us in the blessing of your pets and other animals.
We will continue with additional artwork inside the church. Our parishioner- artist Joe Puskas generously agreed to share his time and talent in presenting new project - “Life and Parables of Jesus” will include – Annunciation, Baptism of Jesus, Call of the first disciples, Calming of the storm, Feeding of the five thousand, The Transfiguration, Good Samaritan, Prodigal Son, Zacchaeus and the Lord’s Supper. This incredible project that continue to lead us to experience the good, true and beautiful will be located under the stained glass windows inside the half circle area of the wall.