Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

posted in: Homilies, Lent | 0

Today’s readings

The great sin of the rich man may not have been the sin of neglecting poor Lazarus, although that was certainly bad.  His greatest sin, I think, was that he trusted in himself instead of in God.  He had everything he needed in life, because he was able to trust in himself to get it.  But he never had a relationship with God.  You don’t see him praying in the story or even giving thanks to God for his riches.  All you see is him enjoying what he has amassed, to the neglect of the poor.

Now in death, he wants the good things God will provide for those who trust in him, people like Lazarus for example.   Lazarus has suffered much, and as the Old Testament Prophets proclaim, God is especially close to the poor and needy.  But the rich man has already made his choice, and unfortunately now, trusting in himself doesn’t bring him anything good.

So the question is, in whom do we trust?  Blessed are they, the Psalmist says today, who hope in the Lord.