Luke 16:20
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.
Each day is a blessing from God. Every waking moment we are given a life that God gave us. There is beauty all around. Many people have been blessed with some of the good things of life—a family, a good house and job, and good health. There are many more though that don't have it nearly as good. They struggle to get by day to day, even meal to meal. They aren't sure where they are going to sleep tonight. They live on the fringes of society and most of us don't like to even look at them. Not because of pity, but many times out of fear; a fear that that could be me one day. Meanwhile we drive by, maybe uttering a prayer or hoping they'll find the help they need as we continue on our day.
Sunday's gospel from Saint Luke finds Jesus teaching the Pharisees about the story of the rich man and Lazarus. A couple of things to note here. Jesus gives the poor man a name, Lazarus, but not the rich man. Maybe he did this to show that the man had dignity, worthy of a name. But the rich man he did not name, yet our Lord was addressing the Pharisees. Another thing to note: the Pharisees were the temple officials. Maybe this was the proverbial 'shot across the bow" at the leaders. The Pharisees had much, dressed in robes and were well-housed and fed. The poor man had none of these. The story concludes with the rich man separated from heaven for eternity, while Lazarus is comforted in heaven.
All of us, whether we work for the church or in the church, have a responsibility to take care of the less fortunate in all ways possible. Christians are to be good Samaritans; not because it will reward us in our salvation, but that it is the right thing to do. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the courage to help those in need with your bounty. This way you can have a true encounter with Jesus in others.
