"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."
(Luke 16:25)
God's justice restores dignity to the oppressed and ensures fairness beyond earthly circumstances. Our choices and actions in this life have eternal significance. It is important to live a life that is aligned with God's will and caring for the less fortunate.
We should not ignore the needs of those who knock at our doorsteps but instead act with compassion and share our blessings with those in need.
God's Word is more than sufficient in leading us to the right path. Let us live with a heart full of compassion and a perspective grounded in eternity.
In the fleeting breath of morning's light,
In shadows cast by the velvet night,
There whispers a truth, both vast and free
We are but grains, yet bound to eternity.
The stars above may rise and fall,
Mountains crumble, oceans call,
Yet the soul, though fragile, dares to be,
Anchored firm in eternity.
Not wealth, nor fame, nor fleeting mirth,
Not treasures gleaned from this frail earth,
But love and faith, through storms shall see,
A timeless bond to eternity.
So walk not blind, but open-eyed,
Through trials faced, through tears cried,
Each moment, a thread in destiny,
Forever grounded in eternity.
Lord Jesus, Eternal Savior,
You who hold time and space in Your hands, Anchor my heart in Your eternal plan. Guide me to walk this fleeting earth, with eyes fixed on the life of rebirth.
Teach me to love with a boundless heart, to serve, to heal, to do my part. May I see the needs of others, as You see, and reflect Your compassion endlessly.
Let not the distractions of this world sway but ground me in Your truth each day. Remind me that treasures on earth will fade, Yet in You, an eternal home is made.
Oh Lord, fill me with faith that will never tire, a spirit aflame with Heaven’s fire. Till I stand before You, face to face, And rest forever in Your grace.
Amen.
Pericope:
V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative
THE PARABLE OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS
Luke 16:19-31
Gospel Acclamation
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.
Gospel | Luke 16:19-31
19 Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. 20 And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. 22 When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he 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.’ 25 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. 26 Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ 27 He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ 30 He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’”
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
