26th Sunday-C
Good morning/evening everyone, I am happy to welcome you all for today’s Holy Mass and our special welcome to all our parishioners, visitors and everyone here today.
Friends in Christ Jesus,
Our Lord Jesus Christ came to bring divine love and forgiveness to all and when He saw people left alone in the wilderness of life, He had compassion for them saying, “There are like sheep without a shepherd and thus He multiplied the bread and fish and thus He multiplied their happiness and joy; love and kindness. Anyone who believes in Him will never be left alone but be given life that will never end.
Once a priest visited an older woman who was kind of dying and as he was talking to her, she said, “you know what father, I cannot wait to be in the bosom of Moses. Yes, soon I will be rocking in the bosom of Moses”. The priest said, “I do understand but the Scripture says it's not the bosom of Moses but Abraham”. Then the older woman looked at the priest and said, “You know what Father, at this age, I don’t care whose bosom it is”
From today’s gospel, we come to know three important things namely the blessings of the believer one who put his mind, heart, soul in the love of God and the blessing of the unknown believer one who doesn’t know and does the will of God will also receive His countless blessings and lastly the gospel says what will happen to those who do not share their spiritual gifts, knowledge and understanding with others.
- The blessing of the believer: The rich man in today’s gospel, represents all the Pharisees, Scribes and the chosen people. They were all given blessing upon blessings. Since God Himself chose them, everything was given to them. They enjoyed richness and happiness; love and kindness of God. Nothing was lacking in their lives They were given everything, and they did enjoy life to the fullest. As we are chosen by God through His Son Jesus Christ, we are also given special blessings to enjoy everything. After the wonderful sacrament of Baptism, we became children of God and we are so special in His sight. Yes, the blessing of the believer is so...so immense.
- The blessing of the unknown believer: Lazarus in the today’s gospel represents the gentiles or all unknown believers. Even though he didn’t know about the Creator God or the God of Israel, he came to the rich man or the man who practices faith. But he refused to share God’s blessings with him. He waited at the door of the rich man, but nothing happened. Then finally God Himself came down to bless the poor Lazarus and showed the kingdom of God. There are so many Lazarus today waiting everywhere. They are at our homes, offices and other places longing to have some glimpse of heaven. They want to have some hope and some life. As we who experience God and His riches have to share with them and thus to help them to know God and His immense richness.
- What will happen to the rich man? Though he dressed in fine linen cloths and was feasting everyday sumptuously, His name was not mentioned in the gospel. It’s because as anyone who reads the gospel, can place his or her name and experience the present situation. But on the other hand, the poor man’s name was mentioned because no one is poor in the sight of God and everyone is special and important for Him because Lazarus is also a child of God. So, let not hesitate to share our gifts and talents and our help and availability for those in need. Amen.
