Fires of Punishment

Gospel: Luke 16: 19-31

Devotees of hellfire punishment are quick to point out the fact that Jesus references such in his public teachings, and indeed he does.  What such devotees ignore is the fact that every time he cites it - as in today's Gospel reading - it is reserved to two groups of people.  The first are those who neglect the needs of the poor and marginalized, and the second is for those  in religious who cause scandal - those who should be defending the rights of the poor and marginalized but instead consort with the rich and powerful, neglecting the needs of the poor.

Lent is a time of more intense fasting and almsgiving, activities we ought to be practicing regularly anyway.  But here the entire liturgical landscape is dedicated to solidarity with the poor and marginalized.  The readings of Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours are devoted to this theme: our reminder of Israel's time in the desert, the admonition of the prophets to practice justice and care for the poor and needy, the Gospel readings that focus our attention on healing, liberating, and nourishing those in need of mercy.  

Today is as good a time as any to walk away from religious hypocrisy that clings to power and neglect of the needy.  Today is a day to hear the voice of the Lord who invites us to follow him, and where he goes is to the margins, not to the halls of the rich and mighty. It is the day to take up as regular practice the works of mercy - to heal, liberate, and nourish those in need of love and care in our world.