Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
My guess is that there is a “poor Lazarus” outside each of our doors. There is someone nearby who needs us, someone we don’t notice, someone we aren’t willing to share our goods with, including the sharing of our faith. There is someone who is starving, either materially or spiritually, someone we can help, who we walk around and fail to help.
If we are giving up something for Lent, then let’s not just store it away so that we can consume it after Lent. We can give some of our cache of chocolate away. It won’t hurt us. We should also give from what we have received. It could be out of the treasure of our bank accounts, the excess we have in our cupboards and closets, or from the rich treasure of our Catholic faith. We all have something to give. And, I promise, there is someone out there who is waiting for us to give it.
Remember that there is a “poor Lazarus” nearby who needs what we can give. Our future depends on how we treat those in need. How do I know this? Jesus tells us in today’s parable. Don’t die without being a blessing for someone in need. Remember, the Lord has told us to be good stewards of God’s many gifts. As proof that he knows what he is talking about, that this is a command of God, he rose from the dead. There’s no better proof than that!