Thursday 20^th March- Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

Reflection: Luke 16:19-31

COMPASSION

Jesus Christ, throughout His life on earth was moved with compassion in doing His works of mercy. He healed the sick and freed the captive out of compassion. This is a sign to us that for us to be true followers of Christ, compassion for others around us is very necessary.

Every gift we possess on earth whether physical or spiritual is a privilege and must be selflessly used. We together with others should benefits from them to the glory of God. The rich man in the parable of today did not see his wealth as a gift from God and used it only to the enjoyment and fulfilment of his selfish interests and this earned him destruction because he forgot the poor around him especially Lazarus who always sat at his gate.

Compassion helps us to be sensitive to other people’s needs and trying our best to meet such needs with the resources God has given us, the rich man lacked this and he paid for it. Let us examine in our hearts today how we utilize the blessings of God in our lives, our wealth, intelligence, spiritual gifts, beauty and every advantage we have over others. Is it based on compassion for the needs of others or only to satisfy our selfish interests?

PRAYER: Lord, help me to always use your gifts in my life to the glory of your name. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 181- Why are there so many signs and symbols in the liturgies?

God knows that we men are not only spiritual but also bodily creatures; we need signs and symbols in order to perceive and describe spiritual or interior realities.

…The incarnate Son of God gives us human signs in which He is living and active among us: bread and wine, the water of Baptism, the anointing with the Holy Spirit. Our response to God’s sacred signs instituted by Christ consists in signs of reverence: genuflecting, standing while listening to the Gospel, bowing, folding our hands.

HIDE A TREASURE: “A liberal man will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25 RSV-CE

Readings for today:  Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1:1-6; Luke 16:19-31.