Jesus says: “I am with you always until the end of time” Mt. 28:20.
The journey has not been easy, no doubt about that but would you trust the Lord today in spite of the difficulties? Listen to me, you can never walk alone when you walk and put your trust in the Lord. The journey might be tough, the environment not friendly but just hold on, God has something up his sleeves for you. Trust, faithfulness and obedience the keys.
In our scriptural text for today, Lk. 16:19-31 – The rich man and poor Lazarus, here are some amazing realities that should be of comfort:
i. the “rich” has no name but the “poor” does – LAZARUS. With and in God you can never be anonymous. He knows your name for he gave it to you (cf. Jer. 1:5; Is. 43:1), and he is right in the midst of your situation (v.2).
ii. the “rich” has no advocate but the “poor” does – Abraham. Ours is the Lord Jesus Christ the righteous one (1 Jn. 2:1) wounded for us (Is. 53:5), who promised not to leave us alone as orphans (Jn. 14:18) and will ask the Father to send us the Spirit of Truth (vv.16-17).
iii. the “rich” seemed lonely in hell but nit the “poor” he had companions – the angels and Abraham. He also had the good wish and sensitivity of the dogs who came to sooth his wounds. We have the grace of the WOUNDED HEALER – JESUS exalted in glory. So we can never be lonely for we have a place in him (cf. Jn. 14:-3).
Why not trust the wounded healer today and lay all your cares and worries of the journey of life in his wounded body.
My agonizing saviour give me the necessary graces to carry on in spite of the difficulties on the way. You promised to make the burden light for me when I bring them to you. Help me today not to journey on my own but with you trusting in your divine mercy. Amen.
Pray today with the song “what a friend we have in Jesus” and with St. Pio’s “Stay with me, Lord.” Study the 16th chapter of the book of the prophet Jeremiah.
SHEPHERD ME O LORD, BEYOND MY STRENGTH.
By Fr. Charles Emore