The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
“Though our Lord Jesus Christ was rich, he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”
It can be difficult to separate ourselves from earthly desires. Having everything at our fingertips with the click of a button can be tempting. I often think about an episode of Parks and Recreation where Tom and Donna have their “Treat Yourself Day.” In the episode, they spend the entire day buying various things that they don’t need and spend the day in luxury. It was their opportunity to be selfish and have everything they wanted.
It isn’t money itself that is sinful—it is the selfishness and greed that creeps in. It is the indifference towards those that go without. Today’s readings highlight the consequence of clinging to earthly things; specifically, the suffering of Lazarus as he is begging for scraps from the rich man. Jesus invites us to recognize who is at our “gate.” Are there people or communities in our lives that have been overlooked, ignored, or marginalized? Do we close our gate to those who are suffering? The only true way to combat indifference is with generosity and compassion.
The Lord calls us to evaluate our comfort and to open ourselves to being generous, whether it be with our time, energy, finances, words, or prayers. May we always share the richness of Christ with others.
Let us pray today: “Lord, grant me the spirit of generosity with those I encounter. Allow me to open my gate with understanding and compassion. Remind me of the ways I cling to earthly things and help me to cultivate a life of humility. Amen.”
Kathryn Sevilla is a special education teacher in San Antonio, TX. She loves finding the good and beautiful in Texas state parks with her husband. Her passions include cuddling with her son, eating local, and laughing until she cries.
