Blessed Are the Poor In Spirit

Lk 16:19-31

We hear a very moving story in the Gospel of Luke today. We have this rich man who dressed in lavish garments and fine linen and who ate extravagantly every day. On the other hand, we have poor Lazarus who was covered in sores, had nothing to eat except an occasional scrap of food fallen from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. When they died, Lazarus went to heaven and the rich man went to hell. Now the rich man hadn’t done anything really wrong. He hadn’t beaten Lazarus up. He hadn’t kicked him or prevented him from lying at his doorstep. In fact, the rich man had probably done everything that was expected of him as he probably was a devout Pharisee. He broke no commandments. In fact, according to the listeners at the time, riches were a sign of God’s blessing

This might cause us to stop and reflect on those times when we thank God for our blessings. Where did they come from and how have we used them. I also think of the times I may have ignored a street person or not even noticed them. I could easily give them some money but I’m afraid that they might ask for more or that I may be taken by some scheme. After all, they’ll probably use it for booze anyway.

The truth is, I find it hard to relate to how they might feel, that is until I go to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry on Wednesdays. There I see sometimes a hundred people who come for food to sustain their families. They may not be the homeless people on the street, but they are very real people who struggle to make ends meet. They may be our neighbors.

Most of us are so lucky, so blessed with all that we have. But what do we do with our blessings. Do we hoard them and enjoy them only for ourselves or do we see the Lazarus’ in our life and do what we can. Do we take the love of Christ which we celebrate in the Eucharist to those around us, especially the poor and disadvantaged. Do we offer our time and money to help our neighbor in need? Who really are the blessed ones.

In Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of God shall be theirs.”

Deacon Greg Beckel