Tag: poverty

“If someone should rise from the dead.” | Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 16:19-31)

And [the rich man] cried out, “Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.” Abraham replied, “My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.”

In this parable directed to the Pharisees, Jesus paints a stark contrast between the lives of two men: a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. Lazarus, covered in sores, longs for the scraps discarded by the rich man. But after their deaths, their fates dramatically reverse. The rich man ends up in the netherworld, a place of torment, while Lazarus is carried by angels to the bosom of Abraham and exists in comfort and peace. The rich man, in his torment, sees Lazarus in the distance and calls out to Abraham for mercy, but Abraham explains that a great chasm separates them, making it impossible for Lazarus to help him. Abraham affirms that if the brothers of the rich man do not listen to the teachings already available to them—just as some who witnessed Christ’s resurrection are not persuaded—even a miraculous sign would not convince them. The reversal of fortune that the rich man experiences is a reminder that however great earthly wealth and status become, they count for nothing in one’s eternal destiny.

God, just as Lazarus lay at the door of the rich man unnoticed, opportunities large and small lie at my feet day after day, placed there by you, which I can choose to see or not see. The poverty that Lazarus experienced, though punishing to the body and to spirit, was nothing like the absolute state of destitution that the rich man experienced after death. Lord, give me the grace today—and whenever you present the opportunity to me—to recognize in the moment the need for compassion, justice, and attentiveness to your teachings. Teach me your mercy, Lord!

From the responsorial psalm: “Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“She has offered her whole livelihood.” | Monday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 21:1-4)

When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus sees and sets as an example the generosity of the widow. Luke tells us that Jesus sees her put in two small coins, from her poverty putting her whole livelihood into the treasury offering. Having seen others make offerings from their surplus wealth, Jesus notes that the widow has put in more than them. As much as Jesus teaches the importance of almsgiving, he presents the widow as one who approaches the Lord in absolute poverty of spirit. Once she gives all that she has out of love for the Lord, her hands are empty—empty to receive from him every spiritual blessing.

God, help me understand what today’s Gospel teaches me about my relationship with you. By default, I look to my self-reliance and ability to care for myself. As the widow did, help me recognize my dependence on you, not only for material needs but also for spiritual sustenance. You are eternally above all created things. As the psalmist says, “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.” With this recognition comes humility. What do I have to give you that has any value at all? And how can I give myself entirely to you when I struggle to give of myself even from excess? Give me the grace, Lord, to recognize where my poverty of spirit dwells and to give from that same poverty to others who are famished in body and spirit. Empty me, God, of all that would prevent me from receiving and giving away your love.

From the Gospel acclamation: “Stay awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.” Lord, let me keep watch today for the time of your return.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.