Lectio Divina for the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Luke 16:19-31
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 name 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 nether world, 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 then 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.”
Meditation
After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on one or more of the following questions.
– What word or words in this passage caught your attention?
– What in this passage comforted you?
– What in this passage challenged you?
Contemplation
Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection.
What conversation of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
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. For what do I need to ask God for his pity and compassion? How can I bring comfort to those who are suffering?
My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime. What good things has God given me in my lifetime? How can I be more generous in sharing these gifts
If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from
the dead. What preaching do I find most persuasive? To whom do I listen?
After a period of silent reflection recite the Lord’s Prayer
Living the Word This Week
How can I make my life a gift for others in charity?
Perform one (or more) of the corporal works of mercy.
