Thursday of the
Second Week of Lent
(Jeremiah 17:5-10; Luke 16:19-31)
As in yesterday’s readings, those of today feature
contrast. The first reading, again from
Jeremiah, contrasts the person who puts final trust in human beings and the one
who trusts above all in God. The former
will find his life withering as friends naturally or maliciously forget old acquaintances. But God does not forget those who remember
Him as the passage testifies.
The gospel relates the famous parable of Lazarus and the
rich man. The rich man ignores the
beggar at his door. He concerns himself
with fine clothes and sumptuous meals. But
his pursuits have no permanent consequence.
He will be forgotten in eternity which is indicated by his name not mentioned
in the entire story. Meanwhile Lazarus,
the beggars, enjoys eternal life in the bosom of Abraham. Was he merciful to others on earth? Evidently, yes, he was as God is merciful to
those who show mercy.
Of all times
during the year Lent is the season for us to show mercy. No doubt there are suffering people in all of
our lives that we have been meaning to assist but have never found the time to
do so. As the Scripture reads, “Now is
the favorable time; now is the day of salvation.”
