In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus continues his teaching on our need to care for the poor and rejected. We are called to be a community built on compassion.

As Jesus’ disciples, we are called to be his hands, feet, and heart in this world. Using the story of Lazarus and the Rich man, Jesus gives us a look into the future for those who fail to show compassion to the poor and needy. Having wealth calls us to responsible stewardship.

This Gospel tells us that wealth is unimportant to God. We are all called to see in each other the face of God. The God who has given us everything asks us to share with others and be concerned for those who have nothing. We must act on what Moses and the Prophets challenge us to do -walk humbly with God.

Our actions and our speech must be consistent with our true identity. Lazarus lived near the door of the rich man. In fact, the rich man knew Lazarus’ name but did nothing to help him. When they both died, the rich man asked Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his family and relatives of their duty to care for the needy.

Again, by our love and not just by what we say, people will know that we are true disciples of Jesus. The good things that we have in this life are just blessings for ourselves but are ways we can be a blessing to others. The good things that we have are not to be used to judge or condemn others but to show forth God’s gift of love in the world.