Reflection by: Kathleen Reimert, MTS, Parishioner St Michael's BerwickFirst Reading Amos 6:1. 4-7,
Second Reading 1 Timothy 6:11-16,
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31
Make a Difference
A story attributed to Loren Eiseley tells of a large galaxy of starfish that were being washed up on a beach. One boy was picking up starfish, one at a time, and throwing them into the sea. When asked why he was doing this when there were so many starfish on the beach, the boy replied that he could make a difference for the starfish that he was currently holding. He then threw it into the sea and continued his mission.
This week’s Gospel is the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. Before they died, the rich man would have known Lazarus - he calls to him by name. The rich man would have realised that Lazarus needed his help, but instead of using a portion of his wealth and his skills to aid Lazarus, he chose to ignore Lazarus’ needs, parading his wealth for all to see. God expected the rich man to help only one person. The fate of the rich man, and, in time, the rich man’s brothers, was eternity in Hades because they had failed to live by what scripture had told them.
God expects us to assist people who need the help that we can give. Lazarus was named, suggesting that it is possible that a person who needs our assistance, might be known to us. If we have chosen to ignore this person, for whatever reason, think about how our behaviour may have impacted on that person’s health and wellbeing. Can we try to become more understanding of that person’s situation, and respond positively to that person’s needs?
There are also people with whom we are not acquainted who need our help. While many people lack finances, we all have skills. We therefore need to discern how God wants us to use our skills to assist another person. Giving assistance can be as simple as being more respectful in school, or when driving a car on the road. Perhaps we have time to volunteer? Parish bulletins, local government websites, and posters in local libraries regularly highlight requests for volunteers to serve other people. If we have spare time, do we try to match our skills with these requests?
Being an active listener can also be useful to discern which skills God wants us to use. A vision impaired woman was asked by a stranger if she had knitted the garment that she was wearing. The woman was subsequently introduced to a local craft group. The craft group provides yarn for members to knit or crochet various items which are given to charities for distribution to people in need. One skill… multiple people assisted.
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop lived the Josephite motto, “never see a need without doing something about it.” This week’s Gospel challenges us to open our eyes, our ears, and our heart to identify every “Lazarus” in our life, whether known to us or unknown, and to discern how to make a difference for these people.
