Homily for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Lent

The parable for today is not meant to criticize wealth itself. Rather, it prompts those who have more than enough to consider whether they are sharing with others who are in need. Are we doing our part to reduce the gap between those who have plenty and those who have very little?

Although possessions are not inherently evil, they should not divert our attention from those in the world who have so little.

In this parable, the rich man is criticized for using his wealth only for his own benefit, which shows his indifference towards others. Although we may not consider ourselves wealthy, we can still become complacent towards the poor. The story raises an important question of whether we are even aware of the poverty that exists around us and among us.

The parable does not have an ending, which leaves us wondering if the five brothers ever received the message about the negative outcomes of neglecting individuals who are experiencing poverty. This allows us to create our own conclusion about how we will live our lives, having learned about the contrast between the temporary wealth of this world and the eternal riches of God's kingdom.