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
The story of the rich man and Lazarus is a compelling look at life through two time perspectives:
- Life as we live it now.
- Life as we will live it eternally.
Reading the story it is not hard to imagine the poor choices made by the rich man. The purple garments and fine linen as well as dining sumptuously each day in the final analysis cannot be worth the endless suffering to come later. Just how much later? When we consider the life today, perhaps the suffering is more present than we realize.
The rich man was suffering from disassociation.
Summary
Psychological criticism of sacred Scripture is not a common theological approach although make no mistake it is most valuable just not frequently used.
Reflection
The rich man was closed off to society including Lazarus and his five brothers. He simply lived his insular life without consideration for the common situation and needs of those he is related to by blood nor by social connection. He knew of them. He did not know them. This is a living prison. This is a living hell. He did not even enjoy the benefit of the care of creation i.e., Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. He was alone. No family, no friends, just food and clothing of the best quality. so isolated was his life that Abraham describes it this way: Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours. Who made the chasm? The rich man constructed it. More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it?
Personal Reflection
Self-sufficiency, an exaggerated sense of worth and identity, is a living hell. We are interdependent. We are interconnected. Instead let us plan what is sufficient for today. For everyone. Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.
First Reading
Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the LORD.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.
More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it? I, the LORD, alone probe the mind and test the heart, To reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds.
Responsorial
Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.
Gospel
‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry