Today’s readings invite us to confront a stark reality: the chasm between comfort and compassion, between indifference and the call to act. In a world that often measures worth by wealth and status, God's Word challenges us to see with the eyes of the poor, to hear the cries of the forgotten, and to bridge the divides we create through our inaction. In our own time, with global inequalities widening and homelessness rising, Prophet Amos, challenges us to compassion
In the Gospel, we read the haunting parable of the rich man and Lazarus. A nameless rich man, draped in purple and fine linen, feasts sumptuously every day, while Lazarus lies at his gate, covered in sores, longing for scraps from the table. Dogs lick his wounds, a detail that underscores his utter abandonment. In life, a gate separates them; in death, a vast chasm opens. The rich man, now in torment, begs Abraham to send Lazarus with a drop of water. But Abraham replies, "…between us a great chasm is established... for those who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours".
What strikes me most is the rich man's obliviousness. He didn't hate Lazarus; he simply didn't see him. The gate wasn't just physical, it was the barrier of self-absorption, the excuse of "busyness," the numbness from endless distractions. How often do we step over the ‘Lazarus’ in our paths: the migrant, the single parent struggling to pay bills, the elderly neighbor isolated in silence? The parable isn't about hellfire; it's about consequences. We build the chasm in life through our choices, and no amount of regret in eternity can undo it. The true torment is separation from God, born of separation from our neighbor.
So, what does this mean for us today? First is awareness. Scan your life: Where are the gates you've built? Does your budget that prioritize luxury over generosity? Does social media scrolls drown out real suffering of your family member next to you? Do you volunteer for any charity or community service?
The Church teaches that wealth is not evil; hoarding it is. Let the love of Christ in you bridge the chasm between the poor and the rich. See Christ in the needy person around you. Don’t be indifferent but practical in love. May our eyes be wide open to see, with hearts softened by compassion, and hands ready to serve with love.
God is Good, All the Time!
Father Tony Udoh, MSP Pastor of Holy Family
