In today’s Gospel Jesus offers a warning about living selfishly in his parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The Rich Man holds sumptuous feasts and dresses in fine clothes. But despite his affluence he does nothing to relieve the painful hunger and debilitating condition of his neighbor Lazarus. He neglects to love his neighbor as he loves himself and is sent to hell for his lifestyle and desire for self-gratification. The Rich Man represents those who spend their money on their own personal pleasures with no regard for sharing their material possessions with the poor and needy in their own neighborhood. Good stewards realize the practical implications of not only loving God, but loving their neighbor as they would love themselves. Who are the less fortunate in our neighborhood? Do we share a portion of our own blessings with them?
