Lenten Reflection Series- March 4th, 2021

This week’s readings have been challenging so far, as will they continue to be during the first half of lent; testing our resolve and pushing us to be better than we are.  But today’s readings provide us a brief respite in our journey through lent, with the theological or supernatural virtue of hope. Hope is what allows us to be joyful even in dire circumstances. Hope comes from outside of ourselves – hope comes to us when we plant ourselves near the stream of God’s life-giving waters, not relying on ourselves or other humans but on God in good times and bad. In doing so our leaves of faith will stay green and our joy boundless.

As we read in the Gospel, poor Lazarus, starving, covered with sores, upon death was then comforted in Abraham’s bosom. The rich man who relied upon himself and had no apparent animosity to Lazarus – the rich man must have known poor Lazarus was there day after day at his doorstep - But the rich man was caught up in his own little world, not firmly planted near God’s life giving stream. He had no hope - And how do we know that? Because God is love, love begets life, and God’s living water opens our eyes to those outside of us who needs are as important as ours. When we are soaking in God’s life-affirming water we want others to share in God’s abundant generosity as well, and when we share our worldly possessions to those in need, hope spreads.

​Deacon Joe