As we reflect on our lives and on the many different people that we encounter—of different political leanings, creeds, and races, people with different worldviews—it is very easy to fall into a mood of complacency and indifference, because there's just so much diversity out there. And we may ask ourselves: What do I really matter?
But what sets us apart, and what will always set us apart, is that our ultimate identity is as sons and daughters of God. We can try to consider everyone in this world as our brothers and sisters, because we have one common Father.
Listen to the way Saint Paul addresses his friend, his close confidant, his collaborator in the ministry of evangelization, Saint Timothy: But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.
So here we already have an image of how the early Christians had pledged their lives to God publicly and without hesitation. Sure, there might have been a bit of fear and trepidation, but nevertheless, the Holy Spirit emboldens us to truly lay hold of eternal life, to be a people of vision.
In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us once again of our eternal destiny. He speaks about those who are less fortunate, the poor, and gives us a very specific and profound story for our contemplation: the rich man and the poor man.
They both lived their lives. One thought only of himself, striving to better his own life, to live in comfort while neglecting his neighbour who struggled right at the foot of his wealth, right at the gates of his sumptuous living. But when they both died, Lazarus—who is named in this story, whereas the rich man is not even named—was taken up to heaven, while the rich man plummeted tragically to his eternal demise.
When he pleaded on the other side, justice was rendered: My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime, while Lazarus likewise received what was bad. What is interesting here is that, even though someone is being condemned to eternal hell, God nevertheless still calls him my child.
We never cease being children of God, and he never ceases loving us, even if through our lives we choose eternal perdition. This is also something that mystics tell us makes the demons and the condemned squeal in horror—because even in hell they know his mercy, they know his love, but they had rejected it.
So, my brothers and sisters, on this day you choose to embrace the faith. You choose to be a man, a woman of God. Pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Cultivate your relationship with Jesus. Start off your day every day thinking of him, spending time with him, asking him to bless your day. But not only yours—also that of somebody who might be needing your help, somebody who might need a word of encouragement, somebody who might need a smile from you.
Think of the poor, for the Lord will remind us that he was in every single person that we tried to help, that we tried to make life a little bit easier for.
And may God bless you, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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