https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030923.cfm
One Small Step. One Giant Leap
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong was the first human being to walk on the moon. Stepping on the moon, he said, “One small step for man. One giant leap for mankind.”
That line came to mind as I read the gospel of Lazarus and the rich man. Lazarus lived outside the gate of the rich man, and every day, the rich man would take one small step past him to get on with his business. Lazarus wanted some crumbs from the rich man’s table but never got any.
Little did he know that his heart was getting farther away from Lazarus with each step. When they both died, Lazarus went to the bosom of Abraham (heaven), and the rich man went where the flames were burning him up. He didn’t understand why he was there, and Lazarus was so far away and content.
Upon inquiring with Fr. Abraham, he discovered that he went the appropriate distance he set between himself and Lazarus during his lifetime. That first step over Lazarus became a leap that he regrets for eternity.
Gospel Challenge:
Sometimes, it takes a conscious effort to see who is before us and give them some of our time. Taking this first step and seeing people through the lens of compassion can become a giant leap into heaven.
It’s not what we do that matters; it’s who we are with. Then what we do becomes an act of love.
For your convenience, The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available every evening during Lent, starting on March 18 from 6-7 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Wed., March 26.
No confessions will be heard during Holy Week. Please take advantage of this
opportunity. We will continue to have confessions on Saturdays from 3-4 p.m.
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com