WC 29/09 COMFORT
- dclm01
- Sep 13
- 4 min read
We take this theme from the Gospel reading of the
26th SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
GATHER
+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Who knows when you feeling down and knows what to do to make you smile?
Who's always there for you when your going through tough times?
Do you notice when others are struggling?
WORD
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke: Glory to you O Lord.
At that time: Jesus said to the Pharisees,
‘There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.”
But Abraham said, “Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not do so, and none may cross from there to us.”
And he said, “Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house - for I have five brothers - so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.” But Abraham said, “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.” And he said, “No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” He said to him, “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.” ’
The Gospel of the Lord: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
RESPONSE
This parable presents us with a challenging and memorable story about a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus. The rich man lived a life of total comfort and luxury, dressed in fine clothes and feasting every day. Meanwhile, Lazarus lay at his gate, sick and hungry, hoping for even the scraps from the rich man's table. The rich man had every comfort, but he was completely blind to the suffering that was right outside his door. His comfort had created a barrier between himself and Lazarus. He saw him, but he didn't truly see him.
The rich man's great sin wasn't that he was wealthy, but that his wealth and comfort made him indifferent. He had so much that he couldn't see the one who had so little. In the end, it was Lazarus who received comfort, and the rich man who was left without it.
This story forces us to look at our own lives and our own comforts. We live in a world with so many things that make our lives easier and more pleasant - from warm homes and plentiful food to the technology that connects us with friends and family. These are great blessings, but the question Jesus asks us is, "Do these comforts make us blind to others, or do they make us more compassionate?" Do we let our comfort build walls around us, or do we use it as a bridge to reach out to others who are in need?
"In your lifetime received your good things,
and Lazarus in like manner bad things;
but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish."
(Luke 16:25)
A comfortable life is a gift from God, and a person of faith is called to share that gift. When we see someone who is hurting - someone who is lonely, simply struggling with homework, or perhaps begging on the street and in need - we have the opportunity to share our comfort with them. It might not be a grand gesture, or involve any money - a simple "good morning" says "I see you - you're not invisible!".
How does Jesus’ message challenge or comfort you?
MISSION
This week, be on the lookout for a person who needs comfort.
Make an effort to look beyond your own concerns and be aware of those around you.
Look for ways to offer a simple act of comfort, like saying "hello," asking how their day is going, or just offering a smile.
COLLECT
Let us pray…
O God, who manifest your almighty power
above all by pardoning and showing mercy,
bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us
and make those hastening to attain your promises
heirs to the treasures of heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
