Between Us A Great Chasm

Beads of Joy 09-26-10

Between Us A Great Chasm
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

I am just an overly ecstatic follower to an absolutely magnificent God. And today we have a very special gospel to reflect upon, and it's even more special because it's a parable. In today's gospel there will be a great chasm that can never be crossed, a further confirmation that once judgment has been made, nothing can be changed. Today we are reading Luke 16:19-31 (The Parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus). So what comes to mind upon reading this exciting scripture? I think to some degree this sounds like an upside down backwards world. Verse 22 to the start of verse 23, "The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment," Lazarus was a man who suffered greatly and lived a sad life of misfortune; yet he never lost hope in God's love and mercy, he stayed focused on Heaven. And the rich man, had tremendous wealth and possessions; yet even while people suffered around him while he was alive, he did nothing, because he selfishly only took care of himself. The man who had nothing gets everything, and the man with everything got nothing. Apparently our earthly successes can not be put in our resume at our judgment. But our earthly compassion and mercy does.

To be clear, let us know that the relationship we have with Jesus is what will truly determine our eternity. But we also know by having that relationship, our hearts will be led to be more compassionate and caring towards others. And then the closer we draw to Him the less we will attached to the things of this earth; allowing us to unlock our possessions and share them with others. It is my understanding that God gave much to many and little to many, some He gave an easy road of many pleasures and success; while others are on a road of struggle and barely surviving. Those are just my thoughts. I know we have free-will and I know the roads can change, but with that being said, there is still purpose that is easily seen in all this. Think of this logic: Please don't think of what I am about to say on a presidential "share the wealth" thought. I don't consider that fair or something our free-will will have any desires in our life to share. My logic has nothing to do with that sort of thinking. Rather consider this: We can not take anything with us when we die. Right? Of cause we can't. And our titles and positions and ego bare no value to guarantee us a place in Heaven either. Right? Nope they don't. So then, if we are gifted and blessed with the ability to earn and gain; why not consider a portion or percentage of that to help others. Do not give away so much that you to become poor, but rather give away just enough so that you are ability to continue earning, so that you will be able to continue helping others. True charity from the heart.

I just love the way that God's economy works. Everyone who has treasures here on earth, no matter how great the value or diversity or size, it all goes null and void at their death, and can not pass through the gates of death and be with them. But for the believer who keeps their treasures in Heaven, with no limit on what spiritual graces they can receive, at their death receive an account overflowing with God's love, peace and Joy. My Dear God, people, isn't that so exciting? Can you see why I am so addicted to God's love and that my addiction makes me goofy with excitement. We have so much to look forward to. But we must keep in mind, God knows our hearts, our intentions and the ultimate reasons we do things that we don't tell anyone. He knows everything, so keep that in mind, we can not manipulate God. Did you notice something rather peculiar about this "chasm" that separate Heaven and hell? We "our souls" can not cross this great wall, but notice how the rich man was able to speak to Father Abraham; and Father Abraham was able to distinctly know clearly who it was that was calling to him. So even though our spirits could not pass through the wall that separated to two, we know by this scripture that the cries and of those cast into hell can be heard by God. Another interesting observation that we as believers knew would happen; unbelievers clearly will now know that God does exist, and all that they refused to listen to, was true.

Hasn't today's gospel been so exciting? So much joy throughout God's words, and even more so by the very words of our Lord. The choices we make here, will give us the results in the next life. What must we do? Be true to God !! Now here is some serious wisdom in scripture that can be tagged to today's gospel reading. Matthew 19:16-30, what a true parallel to today's wisdom. Praise Jesus for all this wisdom.

"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." I couldn't hold back, I just had to put this scripture into today's blog. Look at the power and wisdom of God. Praise Jesus, we have an awesome, loving, caring God.

Pray today, every chance you get, "Jesus, I trust in You."


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO

Today we pray the Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension
3. The Descent of The Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption
5. The Coronation