Thursday of the Second Week of Lent February 24, 2005 Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Luke 16:19-31 Reflection: In today’s readings, we find a rich man who had everything on earth and a poor man named Lazarus who would eat the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. When both men died, angels carried Lazarus away, and the rich man was in torment in the Netherworld. The rich man cried out to Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool his tongue. It is so ironic that here he is asking for help, but when on earth, he didn’t want to help Lazarus. He begs him to send a message to his brothers so they will not end up in a place of torment. You can tell the rich man is sorry for what he had done on earth. He should have helped other people, especially the less fortunate. How many times could we have helped someone but could not find the time? Suggested Action: Take some time today to listen to someone who wants to talk, to lend a hand to someone in need or pray for someone who needs prayer. Sr. Susan Ellen Brown, IHM Staten Island, New York

Graphic: Sr. Donna Korba, IHM