Newsletter – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C.

REFLECTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE – by Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart

This story has two characters, and only one of the characters has a name. Usually, the main character of a story – the important one – is the one named, since being known by a name signifies status. But in this story, it is the poor man who has a name – Lazarus. The rich man remains nameless.

If the story ended when these two people died, what would you think of the status of Lazarus and the status of the rich man? Who would have seemed the more significant character? Why?

In the afterlife the rich man knows Lazarus by name. Do you think this means he might have known Lazarus by name while he was alive? If so, what kind of relationship do you think they had?

The rich man allowed Lazarus to remain by his gate. Would you feel comfortable with a homeless, diseased man living in your backyard? Was the rich man more or less tolerant and compassionate than you might be? How does that affect you?

We are a very wasteful society. Some have estimated that 50 percent or more of the food at restaurants is thrown out. Lots of hungry, homeless people could be fed with that amount of table scraps.

Do you ever waste food? Are you more likely to throw food out if you are alone or if you are with your friends? What difference does it make, either way?

Are there any opportunities for you to serve the needs of the hungry, such as in a food pantry or soup kitchen? What does your own church do for the poor and hungry? Would you like to become involved in some way? Why or why not?