Greetings on this the Thursday of the Second Week of Lent
Readings: Jer 17:5-10; PS 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Lk 16:19-31
Notes: Appeals to reason, logic, sympathy and commonality sometimes are not enough.
A very tragic outcome indeed for the rich man in today’s gospel portion.
In life, he gave not even a drop of water. In torment, he asks for the same.
Maybe, we can change how we operate?
The highest aspirations a human can have is to be in communion with the Divine.
Faith, hope and charity are the apex of human decisions and are the first three commandments.
- One God, one alone – faith, he will rescue us as he did in the Exodus.
- Trust, not in vain – hope, not vanity nor superficiality but genuine expectation.
- Charity – to rest in the Sabbath love, to be a participant in giving Sabbath love.
First reading
Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings,
who seeks his strength in flesh,
whose heart turns away from the LORD.
in contrast
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose hope is the LORD.
Responsorial Psalm
Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
Verse Before Gospel
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.
Gospel Portion
The verse before the gospel is a perfect setting to read the gospel portion today.
- How many promises have we kept?
- How many good things have we done with a generous heart?
In the parable today, Jesus uses a story of the rich man contrast to describe generosity and its benefit to benefactor and receiver alike. Such is the effects of goodness of the Lord.
Everyone’s life is better.
and the contrast.
How hardened we can become!
Then Abraham said,
‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded
if someone should rise from the dead.’”
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? (Jn 14:2).
I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you (Jn 14:25-26).
And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe (Jn 14:29).
I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you (Jn 16:4).
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world (Jn 16:33).
He really did.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 