Study:  Is there a particular need that keeps coming to your attention?  Reflect on how your resources might be used to help another.

Pray:  Ask the Lord to see more clearly the needs of the poor and respond with wisdom and compassion.

Serve:  Is there a simple action that you can do right now to help another?  How can you make it happen?

Mass Readings – 26th Sunday of the Year

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus speaks timelessly to our modern day culture.  Without a doubt we can all acknowledge the many, many ways that we have been materially blessed in our country, and this parable invites us to pay careful attention to how we respond to the needs of those who struggle for the basic necessities of life.

Let’s face it: there are way too many people living in desperate circumstances.  Some are within our own communities and countless millions suffer needlessly because they do not have adequate food, clothing, or shelter.  With so much need in the world we can sometimes become overwhelmed.  Where to start?  How can our little bit help when the need is so great?

And perhaps that’s the key – that we start with something within our reach.  Perhaps we have a connection close at hand that provides us with opportunities to make a difference (no matter how big or small) in the lives of others.

That leaves us with two simple questions to consider today:

1. Where do we see obvious need in our world right now?
2. Is there a practical and direct way that we can help?

As disciples of Jesus Christ we cannot close our eyes to the needs of the poor, and if we cannot solve all the world’s problems at least we can seek out ways to be part of a solution for someone.  Also, it’s always good to remember that whatever gift we give, God will take it and bless it in ways we cannot imagine.