Daily Gospel Reflection for March 1, 2018

Today's Gospel: Luke 16:19-31 What will persuade us of the truth, the power, and the incredible beauty of Christ’s resurrection? After His death, the rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus to those of his family who are still living to convince them of the need to change their ways, in order to avoid eternal torment. But no, Abraham replies, if they won’t respond to Moses and the prophets, neither will they repent because someone has risen from the dead. For we who live in the time after Christ’s resurrection, this last line can be particularly powerful—and maybe a little bit frightening. Do we really live in the light of the Lord? Do we try, in every circumstance, to walk in His ways? When we fall short, do we have the humility to sincerely make amends? This season of Lent is sometimes a kind of reset, other times it’s a deepening, or maybe it’s a little bit of both. We consider more deeply what it is of which we need to repent and what we need to remove from our daily lives in order to draw closer to our Lord. The motivation, however, ought to be different than what the rich man understands it to be. We do not seek to serve God and our neighbors because we fear being tormented in the afterlife (okay, maybe a little, but that’s secondary). Rather, we are moved by love—by the charity and hope manifested in Christ’s death on the cross and His glorious resurrection three days later. Fear can only take us so far. Love, on the other hand, can bring us all the way home.

Ponder:

Have you been able to detach yourself from worldly cares this Lent? How has it changed your prayer life? If not, what specifically could you ask the Holy Spirit to help you with today?

Pray:

Lord, when my heart is set on things of this world, give me the grace to refocus it on You and Your blessed sacrifice. Help me to serve out of love, not fear.