We cannot live as if we are disconnected
For a long time I thought that the rich man’s sin in today’s gospel was that he simply did not see the poor Lazarus at his gate. But now as I read it, I realize he even knew his name. For he says, “Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for aim suffering torment in these flames.” That is what makes this story even more tragic, not that one man doesn’t see his fellow human being, but that he has seen him and has found a way to maneuver around him, rationalizing in his mind that he can live as though the fate of his brother is disconnected from his own.
We can all be tempted to live as if our lives are disconnected from others’ lives. As if “all I have to worry about is myself, and maybe my family.” But more and more this is dangerous. As we are seeing with our climate, if we live only for ourselves and do whatever we want, our planet suffers, and with it all other people. To live as if we are disconnected is simply false. We are one family of brothers and sisters—all of us God’s children. That is the truth. We are called to live as one family, and to live in communion and connection with one another.
Jesus says in the Gospel of John, “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love,” John uses the analogy of a vine and branches to explain how we have to be rooted in Jesus. But that analogy can also be used to explain how we are all connected to one another. Each part of a plant is connected to every other part of the plant. When one part suffers, so do the other parts. Some members of our community are living in fear and worry about their immigration status. The rest of us who do not share that fate personally have to live in deep connection with those who do, offering words and actions of solidarity. Next Sunday the worldwide Church celebrates the Jubilee for Migrants, and we will have a procession at 2pm on Sunday October 5 to the Holy Door at St. Joseph Cathedral. Come and be connected with one another, and walk in solidarity with those immigrant brothers and sisters who are vulnerable!