The Nazareth Page- A gospel meditation for your home

September 28, 2025 – Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time; Luke 16: 19-31

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
Download this simple process to Prepare for Sunday using the Observe, Judge, Act Method

We know very little about life after death.

But Jesus did give us some ideas to guide our lives that connect us with the hereafter. Like in the story found in today’s gospel. All I need to do is mention is that there was once a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus who was ignored by him, although starving at the doorstep of the rich man. Most of us know the rest of that story.

And what’s at the heart of this tragic tale? I think it’s this. There’s a direct connection between what we do here on Earth and what we experience after we die. I recall something I learned in a New Testament class as a young student. My professor said that this parable was included in Luke’s gospel, “To comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”

Although when you think about it, Jesus was not so much teaching us about the next life, but our lives here and now. It is an awakening story to help us understand the life we are now living and its responsibilities. The underlying truth is that it is not God’s job to feed the hungry or give drink to the thirsty. Rather it’s ours! 

I often think about the social teachings of the church and what’s said about their failure to make an impact of the lives of many calling themselves Christian. It’s not for us to judge others about this. That role is left to God. But we all can judge ourselves and honestly look at ourselves in the mirror of truth.

Who are the hungry of the world today? Or those close by? Are there near neighbors who need our help. Remember that it’s not only food and drink that they might need. It’s also recognition and companionship. A friendly hello.

Current studies are reporting that many people today feel isolated and alone. They are without family or friends. The feel ignored and forgotten. That “drop of water” that the rich man craved, may be safe water sought in some underdeveloped regions of the world or a drop of kindness given to a forgotten person passed in the aisles of Walmart. Or even someone hardly noticed in a back pew at Sunday Mass.

David M. Thomas, PhD