Lenten Reflection Day 18 ~ Tuesday Third Week of Lent

Opening Prayers:

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and Confiteor (see Day 1).

Scripture Reading (Luke 16:19–25):

“There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and feasted sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, who lay at his gate, full of sores… And it came to pass that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom. And the rich man also died… and he cried out: Father Abraham, have mercy on me… But Abraham said: Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and thou art tormented.”

Reflection:

The sobering parable of the rich man and Lazarus; a tale of divine justice that overturns worldly expectations. The rich man, immersed in luxury, ignored the suffering beggar at his very gate. He was not condemned for wealth itself, but for hardness of heart and indifference. He failed to see Lazarus as a fellow human being, made in the image of God.

In Lent, this parable strikes deeply. It warns us that external religiosity or worldly success does not guarantee salvation. What matters is how we respond to the needs of others, especially those whom the world ignores. Lent invites us to open not just our wallets, but our hearts: to see Christ in the poor, the lonely, the outcast, and to respond with compassion.

The name “Lazarus” means “God is my help.” The poor man had no earthly help, but God was his helper and reward. He endured suffering with patience and was carried by angels to Abraham’s bosom—a symbol of heavenly comfort and eternal joy. The rich man, by contrast, enjoyed ease but lived without charity, and so suffered eternal separation. It is a clear reminder that how we treat others, especially the “least of these”, matters eternally.

St. Gregory the Great noted that “Lazarus was received into rest because he bore adversity with patience and did not murmur.” In this, Lazarus teaches us not only about poverty but about humility and trust in God. Many of us may not be materially rich, but we still risk the spiritual blindness of the rich man if we fail to notice and respond to suffering around us. True Christian life means being attentive to the “Lazarus” at our gate—perhaps a family member, a neighbor, or even a stranger needing love, attention, or aid.

Consider this Lent whether there are “gates” we pass by daily without noticing those in need. Perhaps it's someone in your family who feels emotionally neglected, or an elderly person at church who longs for conversation, or someone who needs forgiveness. Almsgiving isn't limited to money. It includes time, presence, encouragement, and mercy. St. John Chrysostom famously said, “If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice.”

The parable also reminds us of the urgency of conversion. The rich man begged for a warning to be sent to his brothers, but Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the Prophets; if they will not hear them, neither will they believe if one rises from the dead.” We have the Gospel, the Church, the Sacraments - ample grace and warning. We cannot claim ignorance. The time to repent and to act in love is now.

Let us embrace today's message not with fear, but with renewed resolve. God’s justice is real, but so is His mercy. As long as we have breath, we can change. Let us act today with greater compassion and generosity, remembering that “blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

Closing Prayers:

V: O Lord, hear my prayer.

R: And let my cry come unto Thee.

V: Let us bless the Lord.

R: Thanks be to God.

V: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

R: Amen.