By Praveen Bandula, CSC –
Readings: Jer 17: 5-10; Lk 16: 19-31
When I was a child, I used to hear elders speaking of human greed and selfishness, that the greed never dies even after the death of a person. When I was going through the gospel reading of today, what struck me was how selfish the rich man is even after his death: he thinks only about himself and his family members.
During the conversation between the rich man and Abraham, we can notice that he requested Abraham to send Lazarus to his father’s house to save his brothers from coming to hell. He didn’t think beyond his own kindred, as he had no concern for his neighbours. So, what can Abraham expect from him? He might have smiled at this selfish rich man. The readings are inviting us to be faithful to God by putting all our trust on him.
The first reading is warning those who put their trust in money. And it assures those who fear the Lord and put their trust in God that they will be blessed forever. When Lazarus died the angels came from heaven to take him. It shows that there is no death for those who believe in God. Whereas when the rich man died, he was buried, and no angel came to take him. The lord says, ‘I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings’. Let us keep in our minds what we are longing and seeking in our life. If it is comfort and luxurious life without having God in our lives, we are nothing. Surrender everything to God and let him be our comforter and savior. Whether we live or die, he will keep us in his care forever.