Guest Post by: David Tonaszuck
A reflection on the Gospel of Luke 16:19-31
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today we gather in joy, giving thanks and glory to our LORD God, whose love never ends. Every time we come together—whether in prayer, at Mass, in the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), or in the ordinary moments of our lives—Jesus is truly present with us. He walks beside us, gently reminding us, “My son, my daughter, I love you so very much and am always with you.”
Life can distract us from this truth. But when we pause and listen, we realize Jesus’ presence is more than comfort—it’s a call. He invites us to see with his eyes and love with his heart, reaching out to those around us with compassion.
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus: A Call to See and Respond
Today’s Gospel from Luke gives us the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. This story is not just about wealth, but about the choices we make with what we have. The rich man wasn’t condemned for his riches, but for ignoring Lazarus, the suffering man at his doorstep. He had the means to help, but chose not to see.
Bridging the Gap: God’s Justice, Our Opportunity for Mercy
Earthly status and comfort mean nothing to God if we turn our backs on those who suffer. In this life, the rich man had everything; Lazarus had nothing. Yet God sees beyond appearances—what matters to him is how we treat the vulnerable. After death, their roles are reversed, reminding us that God’s justice is rooted in mercy, not appearances.
This parable invites us to recognize the opportunity before us: our choices today can bridge the gap between ourselves and others. The “great chasm” in the story isn’t just about the afterlife. It’s about the distance we allow to grow when we overlook each other’s needs. Every act of compassion, every time we reach out, brings us closer to one another and to God. Jesus offers us the chance, right now, to build bridges of love and mercy. What a gift, that God calls us to be part of his healing work in the world!
God has already shown us how to live. The rich man wanted a miracle for his brothers, but Abraham replies, “They have Moses and the prophets.” God’s teachings are already clear. We don’t need miracles to know what’s right. If our hearts are closed, not even someone rising from the dead—like Jesus himself—will persuade us. What matters is our openness to love.
The Paschal Mystery and the New Covenant: Love Written on Our Hearts
At the heart of this parable is the Paschal Mystery—Jesus’ suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension—the ultimate act of love. Jesus gave himself completely for us and asks us to do the same for one another. The New Covenant is not just about rules but about relationship—God’s law written on our hearts. We are called to see and serve Christ in the poor and suffering.
Imitating Christ: Living by the Spirit and Reaching Out with Compassion
So what does this mean for us? It means following Jesus isn’t just about believing in him—it’s about imitating him. Jesus noticed the ones everyone else ignored. He cared for the broken, the lonely, the outcast. If we want to walk with Jesus, we can’t be passive. We are called to cross the chasms in our lives with acts of mercy, kindness, and generosity.
We’re not alone in this. The Holy Spirit is with us, guiding us and helping us become more like Christ. St. Paul tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. When we live by the Spirit, our eyes open to those around us. Our hearts become generous, empathetic, alive with compassion.
We can live as God’s beloved children—loving him fully and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Maybe “Lazarus” in your life isn’t literally at your doorstep, but each of us meets people who are hurting or in need: a family member, a coworker, a neighbor, someone at church, or a stranger on the street. We can offer small acts of compassion—our time, our resources, our attention. We can pray for eyes that see and hearts that feel. And we can ask, “How can I use what I have to bless others?”
And when we fail—and we all do—we can always return to God, ask forgiveness, and start again. His mercy never runs out.
So, brothers and sisters, as friends of Christ, remember his words to you: “My son, my daughter, I love you so very much and am always with you.” As we go out, giving thanks and praise to our LORD God, let’s open our eyes and hearts to the “Lazarus” we might encounter each day. May we love and serve those around us, especially the vulnerable and overlooked, just as Jesus loves us all. In doing so, we not only honor Christ’s presence among us but also become true instruments of his compassion and mercy in the world.
Amen.
About Our Guest Blogger
Saint Carlo Acutis once said, “Not me, but God.” His words echo deeply in my own spiritual life. This blog is not about me, but about the work of the Holy Spirit. I choose to remain anonymous because the voice behind these reflections isn’t what matters — the One speaking through them is.
I am a lifelong Catholic with a deep love for Scripture, the sacraments, and the quiet ways God speaks through everyday life. Live the Eucharist was born from my desire to share how the Gospel and the Eucharist shape not just my Sundays, but every step of the journey.
My hope is that these reflections bless you, challenge you, and draw you closer to Jesus — truly present in the Eucharist and profoundly present in your daily life.
