The parable of Lazarus and the rich man pokes at our consciences. Do we see the poverty around us and respond with compassion? We know the teaching of Jesus…may we ask the Lord for the grace to put His words into practice.
Today’s Gospel reading follows up on yesterday’s encounter with the rich young man. As Jesus speaks to His disciples, he reveals the power of detachment as the way that leads us to eternal life.
The Gospel of Matthew highlights how the temptation of riches can undermine the central place of the Lord in our lives. Rather, we are invited to constantly examine what is most important in our hearts as we seek to put Christ first before all else.
The Lord offers a blunt teaching about money, reminding us that God is our first and greatest priority…whereas money is a tool that is meant to be put to good and practical use.
The Lord teaches us in the Gospel of Luke to serve God, not things. Our possessions in this life are simply tools that we use to help us love the Lord and one another.