2025/09/28 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

- Mary Kate Boyle, Coordinator of Campus & Youth Ministry

Jesus loved to teach in parables — short stories with big messages about God’s love. Sometimes His parables can seem confusing, but that’s actually the point! Jesus wants us to slow down, reflect on His words, and discover what He is revealing to us about God.

In today’s Gospel, we hear about two men who lived very different lives. One was a wealthy man. He wore regal clothing and dined on the finest of meals each day. The other, Lazarus, was very poor and sat outside the rich man’s door each day, hoping for nothing more than a few scraps of food. One man lived a life of comfort and luxury, and the other, seemingly had nothing. When they both died, the narrative of their lives changed. Lazarus was carried by angels to a place of peace and comfort, while the rich man found himself in a place of suffering. The rich man begged for help and for a warning to be sent to his family, but he was reminded that God had already given them everything they needed to know through His Word.

That sounds a little harsh at first, doesn’t it? But Jesus isn’t trying to scare us — He’s trying to wake us up. This parable isn’t saying that we need to give up everything and suffer to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Rather, it’s about opening our eyes and hearts to the people around us, especially those who are hurting or in need. God invites us to live with compassion every single day. Each small act of kindness, each moment of care, draws us closer to His heart.

This week, let’s ask Jesus to help us notice the “Lazarus” at our door — whoever might need a kind word, a smile, or a helping hand — and respond with courage and love. Lord, open our eyes and soften our hearts so we can share your love and joy with everyone we meet.