2nd Week of Lent: Thursday, 12th March 2020

The first reading contains a series of sayings contrasting the true and false Israelite. God assures the just trusts in the Lord and their future. The wicked, however, trusts in human beings and their hearts turn away from God, and they are cursed.

The sayings also speak about the secretive workings of the human heart. Since sin begins in the heart, only God can probe its mysterious ways and judge human beings according to their conduct and actions. The psalm today expresses similar sentiments.

The parable described by Jesus is about an unnamed rich man and the beggar, Lazarus. When Lazarus died, he “was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham.” Upon his death, the rich man “was buried” and ends up in Hades. But what did the rich do that resulted in him being in Hades? After all, nothing is mentioned in the story about his wicked ways.

In his case, however, it was a case of what he had failed to do. He had been oblivious to the beggar at his gate and did not use his wealth to help the needy around him. It was his untrustworthy stewardship that kept him from Abraham’s bosom.

The Season of Lent is an opportune time for us to reflect on, and repent of our sins. It means not only repenting of sins of commission — the wrongs we have committed but also being sorry for the many sins of omission — those that we have failed to do, especially for others.

Lord, help me trust in You alone.