I've got a question for you. After looking over Luke's Gospel, what's your window of opportunity? Hold that thought for a bit. You've got to love the Old Testament for its ability to get your attention with vibrant language and imagery. Likewise, today's gospel of Lazarus and the rich man should be a wake-up call to emulate Christ's love with those we see every day—while we have the chance.
The prophet Jeremiah shares God's warning that we should not put our trust in man above God, seeking strength in the flesh. Jeremiah also tells us that if we turn our hearts away from God, we will be "…like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season…"
Withering in the Sunlight
As I thought about this image, I was reminded of trying to keep a flowering plant alive in these winter months as much as I tried to remember to water it and get it near a window with some winter sunlight. I've watched this plant become like the barren bush in Chapter 17 of the Book of Jeremiah.
That plant needs enough sunlight and water and pruning to flourish, just like our souls need the light of Christ in scripture and prayer, the waters of Baptism, the grace of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, the Eucharist and Confirmation, and for some Holy Matrimony or the Priesthood.
Daily Encounters with God
For without a daily encounter with God, our hearts can become like the rich man in the gospel, cold and uncaring, self-absorbed to the point of having what we need, without the desire to help provide for someone that we not only see suffering every day but is close to us. We may not dress in regal clothing or dine extravagantly, but even in the so-called average lifestyle, without putting God's way first, we can become self-absorbed and fail to see those we're called to help.
In Luke's Gospel, there are two other shocking points:
- The reversal of fortune between Lazarus and the rich man from Earth to Heaven and
- Abraham's refusal to provide further warning to Lazarus' five living brothers.
What does this mean for our lives? The first point is that material wealth and physical health don't guarantee our making it to Heaven. Money and power can open many doors down here on Earth, but Heaven has a different standard for admission. Secondly, Abraham's refusal to send an additional message to Lazarus' brothers speaks to the finite window of opportunity—a window whose duration is known only to God.
Lenten Renewals
My brothers and sisters, Lent is our time to renew our trust in God. To recenter our lives on listening to and serving Him and those He brings into our lives. On some days, we have only a word of encouragement to offer combined with prayer, others a five-dollar bill with the words "God bless you," and others a cup of coffee and a sympathetic ear. Whatever way we can show the love of God to our families, friends, and the seemingly random people we encounter, we are called to bring the hope and love of Jesus Christ.
What's our window of opportunity to love like Jesus?
I think the best answer is today. That's what God has given us and what we are to return to Him with our love in word and deed, especially for those in need...every chance we get.
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