29/02/2024

The parable of Dives and Lazarus is pretty foundational for all who try to follow Jesus along the way, the truth and the life. Death is the moment that tells us all that there is nothing more that we can do for what we will face then is the judgement that determines our existence. 

The poor man at the gates and the rich man in the palace; fine linen or dog-licked sores.  Father, Son and Holy Spirit certainly condemn the wealth of Richman, Dives. They do not condemn the poverty of Lazarus but Dives in his torment can pity the fate that awaits his brothers if they do not change their ways. We are not told the reaction of Lazarus to the reversal of their earthly lives.

We have to ask ourselves on this the miserable "extra day"of the year's morning, whether or not Jesus condemns wealth for itself alone. The rich young man went sorrowfully away because he was a man of great wealth. Passing through the eye of a needle is easier for  a fully-laden camel than it is for a rich man to enter Heaven.

In this 2024 many of us are living in environments which retain in form of buildings and goods wealth that was being created at the time Jesus walked on earth. Many of us are richer than former kings and emperors but throughout Europe and USA  there are millions fleeing from societies where there is no peace in which to set about the acquisition of wealth or think about one's place in creation.

There are millions of Dives and millions of Lazaruses but only one of me. Rich and poor alike are one with me in that we have to know that wealth and poverty are both of no value in our quest to align ourselves with God's will.  

Each one of has to do the will of Our Father regardless of the  world's economy and our place in it for "Heaven and earth will pass away but my word will stand." God does not have favourites and even the poor have the  freedom of will to say "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven " or ignore Our Father and his revelation of Mercy. This is within the freedom of all of us. Without the will to serve God, poverty alone will not bring about redemption.

Dear Lord help me to truly know that it is your will that I am seeking out and truthfully atoning for my sins. It is only by my deeds and sincerity of heart that I can approach your altar in Heaven and confess the wilful corruption with which I have marred my life. May the prayers of your Mother and your Heavenly friends never fail in bringing your Mercy to me, my family and to all sinners especially to the Holy Souls.