OUR SPIRITUAL WEALTH
Our
heavenly Father wants all to share in the riches of our Faith. Let us ask God
to help us bring this to fruition!
St. Basil the Great
once wrote that "those who love their neighbor as themselves possess
nothing more than their neighbor; yet surely, you seem to have great
possessions! How else can this be, but that you have preferred your own enjoyment
to the consolation of many?"
I would like to share
a story with you about a young Catholic wife and mother who worked at a sewing
factory to help meet the family's expenses. Working in the same department, was
a non-Catholic woman who asked many questions about the Catholic Church. On one
particular Sunday, this busy young mother found time to bring this woman and
her boyfriend to Mass. She explained the different objects on the altar, the
statues and the art work on the walls. They were so delighted with the taste of
something spiritual that they asked to visit again and learn more about the
Catholic Faith.
Today's Gospel tells
about a rich man who neglects to share his food with Lazarus, who has nothing.
Most of us have been blessed with the material things that allow us to live comfortably.
For example, work, housing, food and clothing. As Christians, we know within
our hearts that we are called to share our benefits with those who have little.
We are challenged, today, to not only share our material riches, but our
spiritual wealth as well. The riches of our Catholic Faith must be shared with
those around us who are spiritually starving.
As Catholics, our
spiritual wealth can be found in the seven Sacraments, which bring Christ Jesus
to us in all stages throughout our life. Our souls are nourished, daily, as we
eat at the Table of the Lord. There are millions whose hunger for God is more
painful than any hunger for bread. We have the Word of God - the Bible. We
grow, spiritually, as we listen to the Scripture readings we hear at every Mass. The richness
received throughout our Biblical history, teaches and shows us the way to live
with God. Around us every day are fellow students, fellow workers, neighbors
and friends, who know little or nothing about what God tells us in the Bible.
Your life and mine, may be the only bible that some may ever read!
We are rich in public
worship. Consider the thrill and joy of Christmas Mass; the expressive
ceremonies of Holy Week; the dignity of a wedding; the consolation of a funeral
service; the dewy freshness of honoring Mary in the month of May; the angelic
atmosphere of First Communion and the hope-inspiring devotions of November.
We've been given the opportunity to come to weekday Mass in a humble chapel.
And for those who are unable to attend physically - those who are in hospitals,
nursing homes, or those who are homebound due to illness or age - they unite
with us spiritually, as they watch the Mass on television.
Throughout the year,
we recall, we relive, the principle events in the life of Jesus Christ with
fitting Bible readings, expressive prayers, soul-stirring songs and
eye-catching ceremonies. We are called to share all this spiritual wealth, and
more! The spiritually starving Lazarus is lying at our gate. Invite others in to
partake of these spiritual blessings.
In our Responsorial
Psalm we acclaim, "Praise the Lord, my soul" (Ps 146:1b)! Our God is
faithful to the oppressed, the hungry, and the vulnerable. He gives us sight;
raises us up, and loves us (cf. Ps 146:7-8). There are many seeking God
"with sincere hearts." Let us remember to pray for them every day and
tell them about these blessings every day! Invite them to share in these riches
today, and every day!
Our heavenly Father
wants all to share in the riches of our Faith. Let us ask God to help us bring
this to fruition!