The Immense Power of a Helping Hand

March 9, Thursday of the Second Week of Lent
Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 16:19-31

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that we, the living people on earth, are called the Church Militant. We journey together as one Mystical Body of Christ who struggles against the devil and the temptations of the world. Since we are all united in faith, every Christian must be “a steward of the Lord's goods” and “ready and eager to come to the help of the needy” (CCC 952).

Today’s Gospel narrates the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. This reminds us of our sacred and necessary duty to support our fellow men. The Rich Man enjoyed his wealth to the fullest but turned a blind eye to the people around him, even the poor man sitting at his very doorstep. Only when he was being judged in the afterlife was he able to realize his wrongdoings. But it was all for naught because the Lord would not hear his pleas anymore.

This story calls our attention to the dangers of the sin of omission, or the deliberate refusal to do something one can and ought to do. The Rich Man has more than enough to go around. He could have easily shared a handful of his treasures to alleviate even a bit of Lazarus’ suffering. But in choosing not to do so, he has sinned in his heart. His money and power failed to bring him to heaven. Instead, God chose a lowly beggar over him to share in His glory.

Charity is one of the central themes of the Lenten Season. In our own little ways, we are invited to do good and make sure no one is left behind in this Mystical Body. When Jesus extended His arms on the cross, He died not only for His apostles or the Jews. He died for the salvation of the entire mankind.

Never let the shine of our treasures or the comforts of this earth discourage us from extending a helping hand to those in need. May we become lush trees that “show no distress and still bear fruit in drought” (Jeremiah 17:8), always open to share with others what we have.