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There was a rich man and lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus. Lk 16:19-31
A young man got a job working for the Department of highways. His first assignment was to paint the white lines on a new road. Unfortunately the line painting machine was broken so the man had to do the job by hand. The first day he painted 8 miles. The second day was not so great, but still he painted 4 miles. The third day he was down to two miles. And the fourth day he painted only one.
His boss was surprised and disappointed at the swift decline in the young man’s performance, so he asked him if he were sitting down on the job. “No, sir!” said the young fellow, “I am working as hard as I can. It is just that the darn paint can keeps getting further and further away.”
The man just wasn’t listening to what his experience was telling him. Move the paint can!
The story that Jesus made up for today’s gospel is about that very kind of situation: not listening to our experiences of life. The rich man in the story seems like a good and decent fellow. He is not intentionally hurting anyone. But he isn’t listening to what life is telling him. He doesn’t hear the invitation that life is giving him to grow great by being gracious. He doesn’t hear the cries that are telling him where the talents and wealth that God has lent him are needed. So, the man fritters away all his talents and all is wealth on foolish entertainment that fills the time but leaves no one richer or more human or more whole.
Like a patient teacher and loving parent, the Spirit speaks to us all daily. The Spirit shows us where we are needed. For those who pay attention, who listen to the Spirit, life will be fuller, and hearts will grow large with love. When their last hour comes there will be for them, no fear of walking with head high and eyes upraised into the holy presence of God. May God grant us listening hearts.
Fr. Don
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Notes
FR. SMIGA PRESENTATION
Fr. Smiga, author of Angels in the Bible, will offer a presentation "What Angels Tell Us About God" on Sunday, October 2nd, 7:00pm-8:30pm in the Church
CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Returns this Sunday at the 11:00am Mass for children 3 years and older.
THREE OPPORTUNIIES TO SERVE
- St. Vincent de Paul is looking for someone to assist with phone calls.
- Our Parish is looking for assistance maintaining our grounds and updating our website.
- Our Good Shepherd program has grown this year to over 140 studeens and we are looking for a few volunteers to assist.
Details for these opportunities can be found in this Sunday's Bulletin.
For up to date information and a calendar of events,
please check out the bulletin and/or the website at www.stlads.org
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