The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods are a community of vowed Catholic women religious. Inspired by our foundress Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, we are passionate about our lives of prayer, education, service and advocacy.
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Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad, but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’”
Sister Teresa Costello during prayer
Reflection
What will it take for us to wake up to our abundance? Last week’s Gospel challenged us to consciously engage with Earth’s gifts, to be just stewards in the Kingdom of God. This week, we are reminded to act justly and compassionately with our human siblings.
The “rich man” had everything. He was swimming in abundance, and yet his eyes, ears and heart were closed to Lazarus., suffering at his door. Not heeding the messages of Moses and the prophets, he was left comfortless once he was separated from his earthly wealth.
Community care is essential in the Kin-dom of God. Again, we are reminded that what matters most is what we give — how we love. The measure with which we give, we receive. If we look closely, we all have riches or gifts to share and needs that rely on others to fill.
So, what closes our hearts and prevents us from offering what we have? It may be a sense of lack and a desire for more, which is often exploited by companies and cultural narratives, telling us to buy more. Perhaps we have some chronically unmet needs that leave us scared to give what we believe we don’t have. Maybe we have been hurt so many times, we shut down our hearts, thinking it will prevent more pain.
Whatever it is, may we more and more each day recognize the abundance within and all around. May we be aware of and let in the goodness of life, receiving it with gratitude. May we open our eyes, ears and hearts to see the many ways we can bless, love and comfort others.
Action
Where is my heart closed to suffering? What might I need to open my heart and tend to the suffering in and around me? Where do I experience abundance or enoughness? How might I share this with others?
Sister Corbin has been a member of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods since 2009. She has a master’s degree in Social Work and is currently ministering at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
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