Reflect today on the true riches of life

When the poor man died, he was carried by angels into Abraham's womb. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the infernal world, where he was tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus at his side. Luke 16: 22-23

If you had to choose, what would you prefer? To be rich and to have sumptuous lunch every day, dressed in purple clothes, with everything you could wish for in this world? Or to be a poor beggar, covered in sores, living on the threshold, feeling the pains of hunger? It's an easy question to answer on the surface. The rich and comfortable life is more attractive at first glance. But the question should not be considered only on the surface, we must look deeper and consider the full contrast of these two people and the effects that their inner life has on their eternal souls.

As for the poor, when he died "he was carried by angels into Abraham's womb". As for the rich man, the Scripture states that "he died and was buried" and went to the "lower world, where he was in torment". Ouch! Now who would you rather be?

Although it may be desirable to be rich in this life AND in the next, this is not the point of the story of Jesus. The point of his story is simple because while on this Earth we must repent, turn away from sin, listen to the words of Scripture, believe and keep our eyes on our true goal of the riches of Heaven.

As for whether you are rich or poor in this life, it shouldn't really matter. Although this is a belief difficult to achieve, internally, it must be our goal. Paradise and the riches that await must be our goal. And we prepare for Heaven by listening to the Word of God and responding with the utmost generosity.

The rich man could have responded in this life seeing the dignity and value of the poor man who lies on his door and reaching out with love and mercy. But he didn't. He was too focused on himself.

Reflect today on the stark contrast between these two men, and in particular on the eternity that awaited them. If you see one of the sinful tendencies of this rich man in your own life, then repent of these sins and repent today. See the dignity and value of every person you meet. And if you tend to be more focused on your self, consumed with selfish pleasure and excess, try to embrace true poverty of spirit, striving to be attached only to God and to the abundant blessings that come from a full embrace of all that He has revealed to us.

Lord, please, free me from my selfishness. Instead, help me to stay focused on the dignity of all people and to dedicate myself to their service. May I discover an image of you in the poor, the broken and the humble. And as I discover your presence in their lives, may I love you, in them, trying to be an instrument of your mercy. Jesus I believe in you.