LAZARUS

Thursday of Second Week of Lent Year C Luke 16:19-31 The name Lazaru means God is my help. The gospel of today describes Lazarus as being forgotten by people, ‘cared for’ only by dogs. If we are cruel and mistreating “Lazarus” around us we will end a life of many regrets. Today when we met the poor it means God is giving us chance to enter the kingdom of heaven. Every poor is an opportunity to unlock the gate of heaven. Every charitable acts is a stepping stones-a stairway build towards heaven. Our eternal destiny depends on how we take care the least fortunate. We prepare our future dwelling place by the charity we made. Remember, charity isn’t about pity it is about love. Second point, money without active mercy for the poor is great wickedness. Without a rich heart wealth is an ugly beggar. If we close our wallet to the poor, the gate of heaven becomes narrow for you. St. John Chrysostom once said: “If you do not find Christ in the beggar at the church door, neither will you find Him in the chalice.” Finally, the gospel is reminding us that heaven and hell is real. When the end comes we will find ourselves between this two eternity. There is a place of fiery torment called hell, where unsaved sinners will suffer punishment for all their sins forever. There is also place of paradise called heaven and it is a reward fo those who listen to God’s commands to be mindful of many Lazarus around. Blessings Fr. Jhack