The Lazarus at Our Gate

Today’s readings.

We get the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in today’s Gospel where the rich man is not accused of cruelty, but of indifference. Jesus tells us that Lazarus was lying at the rich man’s gate and the tragedy is not active hatred but a kind of settled indifference. The poor man is right there in the rich man’s ordinary path of life, almost as if placed there as an invitation to compassion and mercy. In this sense, Lazarus is not merely a burden at the door; he is the rich man’s opportunity to grow in love. But the opportunity is ignored. 

Over time, indifference has a way of hardening the heart until another person’s suffering no longer moves us, much less compel us to act in charity. Lent is a time for us to recover the ability to notice again. It reminds us that the small encounters placed in front of us each day are not accidents; they are often providential invitations through which we can live our call to love.

Today’s Practice – Almsgiving:

Pay attention today to someone whose need you might normally pass by without much thought. Offer an act of generosity—time, assistance, encouragement, or material help—and treat the moment not as an interruption, but as an opportunity placed in your path.