The Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man's table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.

We should never pass up an opportunity to act in charity and mercy. Our faith is founded upon the corporeal and spiritual acts of mercy. These acts should be at the heart of our faith. There should be no questions, no doubts, nor hesitation to provide aid to those in need. When we die, we shall be judged by what we have done to the least of God's children and if we are found wanting we shall suffer torment for our trespasses. However, if we choose to act virtuously, then we will feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick, shelter the homeless, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. In addition, we will instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, admonish the sinner, bear wrongs patiently, forgive wrongs willingly, comfort the afflicted, and pray for the living and the dead. These actions might seem imposing, but they are equally rewarding to those who are willing to undertake them and make their lives a service to God and His children. It is our choice whether we choose love and mercy or selfishness and indifference. Hopefully, we shall choose the former and then when we die, we shall be carried away to paradise and know the joy of Lazarus.

In what areas of our lives are we selfish and indifferent? How can we overcome these temptations and become more loving and merciful? What can we do to avoid the fate of the rich man and enjoy the rewards of the poor man?

O Lord, help us to act more and more like you and less and less like the selfish rich man.

Amen.