St James Catholic Church

Dear Parishioners,
Today is the World Day of Migrant and Refugees, a day on which we recognize and honor those who accepted the challenge of leaving their homes and homelands to search for and work for a better life in a foreign land. They would include the holy family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, who had to flee to Egypt shortly after the Lords’ birth. Those who have never had to make such a radical decision find it difficult to imagine the incredible challenges refugees and migrants face, on their journeys and in their new homes, much as the rich man in today’s Gospel cannot imagine how the poor, sickly Lazarus ended up on his doorstep. May we never forget to see the face of Christ in the stranger and respond with heartfelt compassion.
The rich man chose to ignore poor Lazarus at his door. It is not the case that, blinded by his wealth, he overlooked him begging right outside his house. Notice that he immediately recognized Lazarus when he sees him resting in the bosom of Abraham. He even knew his name. So he cannot say that he wasn’t aware that where he lived in riches and splendor a man just outside his palatial home longed for the scraps that fell from his table. We may choose to look away from the panhandler from the street corner, the folks lined up at the food pantry or the person in the threadbare coat we see with our peripheral vision. These are the Lazarus's hoping for just a smidgeon of what we have.
Notice how it didn't say how Lazarus came to be poor, hungry, and covered with sores. Perhaps he was mentally ill or physically ill and could not hold down a job. By not giving any history on Lazarus, perhaps Jesus intended to teach pharisees that this didn't matter. The rich man’s job was not to judge if Lazarus was worthy of his help. It was to offer him compassion and charity. After all none of us are truly worthy of God’s mercy. And yet, God reaches out to us with compassion and salvation.
Love, Peace, Joy,
Fr. Bob