Much of Lent is about reflection. I ask myself questions in an attempt to grow spiritually. Where have I failed to live up to God’s expectations? Where could I improve? Today’s Gospel reading provides all of us with an answer: we should do more to help the needy right under our noses.

This parable is interesting to me because the rich man’s error is not one of commission, but rather of omission. It is easier to identify when a person has actively done wrong, than it is to notice when a person has failed to do right. The rich man had the opportunity to make a difference in Lazarus’s life, but did not. He only realizes his failure when he finds himself in Hell. To lessen his suffering, the rich man asks for water to be brought to wet his tongue, but Abraham reminds him that he experienced what was good in life, while Lazarus experienced what was bad. I think it is important that Abraham is frank about the dismal state of Lazarus’s life on earth. Many of us are confronted with the evil in the world today and may be asking ourselves why God does not help. Rather, I think we should be asking ourselves who among us has been placed in a position to make a difference. While it may be clear that the rich man should have helped financially or perhaps brought Lazarus to a doctor, it is oftentimes less clear how we are supposed to provide assistance to others. The first step is identifying a situation in which our actions could have impact. But how do we know the manner of assistance to provide? That may be obscured by doubt.

Therefore, I believe a lot can be gained by examining what gifts we have been given. What have we been blessed with in our lives? Can we share that with others? What are we being called on to give? I am reminded of the widow in Mark 12:41-44 who gives only two small copper coins to the temple. Jesus teaches that the widow gave more that day than the rich, in order to prove the power of giving, and how it looks different for everyone.