Gospel Luke 16:19-31
"Dogs even used to come and lick his sores." I was puzzled by this seemingly gross and unnecessary phrase in the Gospel. Why would Jesus include it? Then in reading the Lenten Magnificat companion, which said in part: "The cry of Lazarus must not be left to the dogs to assuage." Jesus was trying to drive home the point that the only comfort Lazarus had in this world was provided for by dogs, an animal, a being that we don't believe has an immortal soul. A being that has no immortal soul is more merciful to Lazarus than human beings are, who do have immortal souls. Animals should be the ones who ignore the plight of human beings, who show no love or mercy or compassion. Instead, all too often, it is other human beings who are blinded to the woes of those most in need of help. Blinded by wealth or power or just even the comforts of their lives.
How am I blinded to the needs of those around me? That's what I've been pondering, and praying that my eyes may be opened to the least around me.
There was a Saint, Pedro de Betancourt, who actually did that for the sick.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of him, do you have any resources about him?
ReplyDeleteMostly in spanish, but there is a Wikipedia entry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_of_Saint_Joseph_Betancur
DeleteAppreciate the help, thank you!
ReplyDelete