“Abraham replied, ‘My child,
remember that you received what was good during your lifetime
while Lazarus likewise received what was bad.’”

Luke 16:25

Luke 16:19-31

Reflection

Jesus tells the Pharisees a story about a rich man who never gives anything to the poor man, Lazarus, who sits by his door. When they both die, Lazarus goes to Abraham’s bosom, while the rich man descends to the netherworld. The rich man wants to be comforted by Lazarus, but that is not allowed, and he is told that in his life, he received comforts while Lazarus did not. In their death, Lazarus receives comfort instead of suffering.

Are we set on receiving as many comforts as we can during our time on earth? Or do we long for heaven, where true comfort lies? If we are like the rich man, only worldly goods satisfy us at this time. Yet we should not desire worldly goods, but heavenly ones.

Being a Christian means suffering in this life to some degree. Each person’s suffering is unique, but it can all bring us closer to Christ. If we focus on the world, we will temporarily comforted, but if we focus on Jesus, we will be eternally comforted. God wants us to be united with him in heaven – we can start down that path by renouncing the world and following Jesus.

---

Saint of the Day

St. John Joseph of the Cross: 1654 – 1734

“Silence and humility are the strength of those who wish to serve God.” St. John Joseph of the Cross