Thursday of the Second Week of Lent
In his new book Things Worth Dying For, Archbishop Charles Chaput shares a common image to describe both heaven and hell: a lavish banquet. The difference between the two, however, is vast. In heaven, guests use long utensils to feed one another. Conversely in hell, each soul feeds himself but starves!
We can see this in Jesus’ parable about the Rich Man and Lazarus. Tragically, how the rich man behaved in life continues into hell without conversion. He is arrogant enough to request that the man he failed to show charity to on his very doorstep should make an effort to ease his own suffering. He is starting to think of his own family, but he did not have heroic charity – he only loved those who loved him (cf. Matt. 5:46) – and sadly, it was too late.
The early Israelites believed in what they called the Deuteronomic Principle – the belief that being faithful to the rules of religion would translate into prosperity and good health. Over time, they witnessed bad things happen to good people. They came to understand that to be just and blessed were valued in different ways. The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus is a cautionary tale about living out those values. Love is the virtue that remains even when faith and hope are fulfilled, and love that pulls me out of myself to share with God and neighbor is the first and best commandment.
Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources