“‘Leaping into a life’ marked not by the accumulation of wealth, but by the joy found in sharing the currency of love and generosity!”
(Based on Jer 17:5-10 and Lk 16:19-31 – Thursday of the 2nd Week in Lent)
A London newspaper offered a prize for the best definition of money.
It was awarded to a man whose definition was:
“Money is an article…
… which may be used as a universal passport to everywhere, except heaven
… and as a universal provider of everything, except happiness!”
Money sometimes clouds our minds so much…
… that we overestimate and overrate its power and influence
And thus we tend to get “indifferent in life” and “self-centred in our approach with others!”
We need to examine our lives:
Does the pursuit for money and wealth, hinder me from reaching out to the needy, even though I am able?
Has self-centredness become a way of life for me?
Am I a person who misses out on doing the good we can?
The Gospel of the Day is a powerful message to look deeper into these aspects of our life…
… and seek to be more other-centred and heaven-oriented!
The parable of the rich man “who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day,”…
… and of Lazarus, “full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores” (Cf. Lk 16:19-21)
… is a remarkable story that challenges us to get out of our “zones of comfort and indifference!”
The ways of the world constantly allure us…
- To be “clothed in purple and fine linen” (Lk 16:19) and to be self-centred: An attitude of just going about with our business and not considering other’s needs
- To be “feasting sumptuously” (Lk 16:19) and to look to only one’s own comforts: An attitude of not caring about others, when I have my own cares to be attended to!
- To be neglecting “a poor man, lying at the gate” (Lk 16:20) and to avoid the cry of the needy: An attitude of wilfully rejecting the ones who extend their hands for help and assistance!
But the Christian way of life is a challenge to this “rich man’s style of living”
There can be no excuse given to us…
… if we miss out on doing the good we can!
… if we fail to reach out to the needy, even though we are able!
… if self-centeredness has become a way of life for us!
Let’s realise…
…. time is short, and our life is limited!
Prophet Amos very powerfully warns and reminds all those who are complacent and lethargic: “Woe to the complacent in Zion!
Lying upon beds of ivory…
… stretched comfortably on their couches
… they eat lambs taken from the flock, and calves from the stall!” (Amos 6:1a)
St Paul exhorts:
“But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
Compete well for the faith.
Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called…
… when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Tim 6:11-12)
Let us begin today, with no further delay…
To do the good we can…
… in the best way we can!
… to all the people we are able!
… in every situation that is possible!
Yes… let us seek to be more other-centred and heaven-oriented!
We are called to realise that “money is an article…
… which may be used as a universal passport to everywhere, except heaven
… and as a universal provider of everything, except happiness!”
And thus avoid the tendency to get “indifferent in life” and “self-centred in our approach with others!”
Today is February 29
Today is Leap Day
This day comes just once in four years!
It’s indeed a rare day!
Just as this day occurs only once in four years…
… let’s reflect on the rarity of time
… and the true wealth that lies in “moments shared” and “memories made!”
On this Leap Day, let’s “leap into a life” marked not by the accumulation of wealth…
… but by the joy found in sharing the currency of love and generosity!
God Bless! Live Jesus!
📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
LIFE IN CHRIST – PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL LIFE
A human law has the character of law to the extent that it accords with right reason…
… and thus derives from the eternal law.
Insofar as it falls short of right reason it is said to be an unjust law…… and thus has not so much the nature of law as of a kind of violence. (CCC # 1902)
Reflection Capsules 