Separated By A Great Chasm

Beads of Joy 03-24-11

Separated By A Great Chasm
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

Is it just me, or is there something in this story that just isn't right. It's like I want to say to the rich man, "Hello, don't you get it." that's the first thought I get with this one verse. Tell me if it's just me. It's verse 24, "And he called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame." Do you see what I mean. Here this rich guy is in the pit of hell right in the flames, and he is making a request, looking for a servant to serve him there, is this crazy or what. I think so many people in our world are so entangled and imprisoned by power, ego, pride and stuff; that they totally miss it when it comes to eternal reality. In this scripture Lazarus didn't only represent the poor, but pretty anyone who couldn't anything for themselves, he must have been a cripple. Scripture says, dogs were licking his wounds, that's very sad, and I would guess very serious.

Not to be misunderstood, and not to sound pious; who would you rather be and why? Yes we know the end of the story making the choice obvious, but we also have our faith, so we didn't really need to know the whole story, to know how it would probably end. But honestly, who? and why? OK, since a blog don't have the instant ability for immediate two-way conversations, I'll answer it and share the Joy in scripture that gives the foundation of why. Ok, I'd rather be Lazarus. Not only because he ends up in Heaven, more so what scripture tells me. Just take a moment or two and reflect upon these scriptures:

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him." 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

"For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." 2 Corinthians 5:1

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Philippians 3:20-21

In our own way and in our own situations, let us be the Lazarus' of the world. God loves all of us, but He especially loves those of us who suffer, and offer our thanksgiving and praises to Him in our suffering. Being humble without complaining or expecting anything. That is why today's challenge is intended to be a fun one, all about our love for others.

Today's Gospel: Luke 16:19-31 (The Rich Man and Lazarus)
"There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 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, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. And he called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, `Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, `Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, `They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, `No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, `If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'"

Questions To Ponder Today:
-When you are faced with trials, what do you do?
-Did you know that Heaven and Hell are eternally separated?
-Does your faith give you a freedom like no other in your life?
-While we are here isn't better to serve God first, then others?
(Visit with grandma or grandpa today, and if they aren't here
visit a special grandchild, or a niece, or a nephew. Pick
someone out, and give them all your love today.)


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

Today we pray the Luminous Mysteries

1. Baptism of Jesus
2. Wedding at Cana
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom
4. The Transfiguration
5. Institution of the Holy Eucharist