We are all rich in something. Some are intellectually rich: they are educated and cultured, they have good taste and a natural or an acquired refinement. The danger for those people is to look down on the Lazaruses sitting at their gate, who do not appreciate classical music, great books, bridge, crossword puzzles, art exhibitions, refined cuisine. When we are rich by our minds, it is quite easy never to understand the intellectual hunger of those who can feed themselves only with insipid television programs or cheap novels. Others are rich in affections: they have good home and lots of friends surrounding them with love. Do these understand the desperate solitude of the Lazaruses on their doorstep, who suffer from a stale marriage, an unchosen celibacy, a stuffy education? Still others are rich in health, sound judgment, psychological equilibrium, professional success.

Each one of us has a Lazarus at his door, someone who does not have our wealth, whatever it might be, and who would very much want us to share it with him. It is up to us to invite him in and have sit at our table.

Nil Guillemette, SJ
PARABLES for TODAY
Exegis-Reflections