Meditation: What sustains you when trials and affliction come
your way? Jeremiah tells us that whoever relies on God will not be disappointed
or be in want when everything around them dries up or disappears. God will
not only be their consolation, but their inexhaustible source of joy as
well. Jesus' parable about the afflictions of the poor man Lazarus brings
home a similar point. In this story Jesus paints a dramatic scene of contrasts
– riches and poverty, heaven and hell, compassion and indifference, inclusion
and exclusion. We also see an abrupt and dramatic reversal of fortune.
Lazarus was not only poor, but sick and unable to lift himself.  He
was "laid" at the gates of the rich man's house. The dogs which licked
his sores probably also stole the little bread he got for himself. Dogs
in the ancient world symbolized contempt. Enduring the torment of these
savage dogs only added to the poor man's miseries and sufferings. The rich
man treated the beggar with contempt and indifference, until he found his
fortunes reversed at the end of his life! In God's economy, those who hold
on possessively to what they have, lose it all in the end, while those
who share generously receive back many times more than they gave way.
The name Lazarus means God is my help. Despite a life
of misfortune and suffering, Lazarus did not lose hope in God. His eyes
were set on a treasure stored up for him in heaven. The rich man, however,
could not see beyond his material wealth and possessions. He not only had
every thing he needed, he selfishly spent all he had on himself. He was
too absorbed in what he possessed to notice the needs of those around him.
He lost sight of God and  the treasure of heaven because he was preoccupied
with seeking happiness in material things. He served wealth rather than
God. In the end the rich man became a beggar! Do you know the joy and freedom
of possessing God as your true and lasting treasure? Those who put their
hope and security in heaven will not be disappointed (see
Hebrews 6:19)?
"Lord Jesus, you are my joy and my treasure. Make me rich in the things
of heaven and give me a generous heart  that I may freely share with
others the spiritual and material treasures you have given to me."
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings

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Robin K Brookes
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