26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Amos 6:1a, 4-7 1 Timothy 6:11-16 Luke 16: 19-31
As I read the gospel from today’s mass I am struck by the conversation that the rich man has with Abraham. He asks Abraham to have Lazarus come and dip the tip of his finger in water to cool his tongue, because he is suffering. It seems like he wants Lazarus to be a servant to him (as if nothing has changed). Thus, the rich man is still thinking only about himself and what he wants.
Abraham calls the man “my child” – the words of endearment in spite of his being banished to the netherworld – he has not abandoned the rich man. There remains a relationship there. Yet he reminds the rich man that Lazarus is now being comforted (he is not your servant).
The rich man persists, begging Abraham to send Lazarus to his father’s house to warn his brothers. He is still thinking of Lazarus as a servant. At least now, perhaps for the first time in his life, the rich man is thinking about his brothers and not only about himself and his own needs.
I asked myself what was the rich man’s sin – and all I can think is that he was blind and unable to see: unable to see Lazarus, unable to see the needs of people outside of himself.
Jesus asks the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethsada, “Do you want to be well again?” Jn 5:7. In another place Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” That is the heart of the question for each of us. What do we really want? What do we really need? For me it seems like the answer has to do with sight: help us to see.
Jesus said, “What I command you is to love one another” Jn 15: 17. We cannot love if we cannot see. We will not act to alleviate the suffering of others if we cannot see it. Who are my brothers and sisters – everyone, rich or poor – because everyone carries a burden.
May our eyes be opened to recognize people and their needs. Then may we have the courage and strength to act.
-Sr. Corinne Yarborough, SSMN corinne49@juno.com
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