Sharing Guidelines
*Sharing is not a time for teaching or debate; it is a time to sense the marvelous work of the Holy Spirit who leads the gathering.
*Reflection sharing is not meant to teach others but to share the meaning you personally have discovered. Therefore, do not criticize or debate another person’s sharing. Avoid boasting of your own understanding or knowledge.
*Respect the grace of the Holy Spirit, who reveals the meaning of the Word while dwelling among us, and listen attentively to others’ sharing, holding it in your heart.
*Keep confidential any personal reflections or stories shared in the group; practicing brotherly love means not passing along private matters outside the meeting.
*When speaking, always use the first person singular (“I”). Be careful not to distance or generalize your story by using the third person (“he,” “they”) or the first person plural (“we”).
*Keep it short.
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Gospel
Luke 16:19-31
Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me.
Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'”
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Reflection
Genesis 24 tells how Isaac, the son of Abraham, came to marry Rebekah. Abraham sent his servant with many camels and gifts to find a wife for Isaac. At a well, the servant prayed, “If a young woman offers water to me and to my ten camels, I will know she is the one the Lord has chosen.” Rebekah appeared and did exactly that.
In this story, Abraham can represent God, Isaac represents Jesus, and Rebekah represents the Church. The Church is united with Jesus and can call God “Father,” but first we must show love great enough to “feed ten camels.” In the Bible, the number ten symbolizes the commandments, and the heart of all the commandments is love (see Romans 13:10). Only by living out love can we truly belong to God’s family and inherit His Kingdom.
In today’s Gospel, the rich man knew the Law and the Prophets and practiced religion, but he failed to love. It is like seeing a baby fall into a well and refusing to help. The rich man ignored the hungry Lazarus at his gate, proving he did not keep the commandment of love. Lazarus, on the other hand, allowed even the dogs to lick his wounds, showing a willingness to give of himself. Real love means giving and sharing.
The first reading warns, “Woe to those who live at ease in Zion, who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria!” There are always people in need around us. If we can party without concern for them, we reveal a lack of love and walk toward spiritual ruin. (Rev. Johseph Jun Sam Yong)
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Reflection
In today’s Gospel parable, Jesus speaks of the eternal punishment of hell. The rich man suffered in the flames and regretted his choices, but the great chasm between heaven and hell could not be crossed. During his life he lived for himself and did not share his wealth with the poor. Even though he knew God’s law and wanted to warn his family, after death it was too late.
The suffering we endure on earth, when offered to God, will surely be rewarded in heaven. Someone who seems powerful and happy in this world may be small in God’s eyes. God cares first for the oppressed, the lonely, and the poor. This parable makes that clear.
Heaven often turns the order of this world upside down: the first can become last, and the last can become first. If we are not spiritually humble, we may end up like the rich man. God’s justice is founded on limitless love, bringing down the proud and lifting up the lowly. Let us live with strong faith and real love for our neighbors so that we have no regrets when this life ends.(류한영 베드로 신부)
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Sharing:
1. Let’s talk about a verse that touches your heart, or reflect on today’s Scripture from these perspectives:
– From Lazarus’s point of view
– From the rich man’s point of view
– From the five brothers’ point of view
2. There are many people in need: the sick, the lonely, those who have grown distant from the faith, newcomers to the parish, catechumens, and more. Reflect on whether they are adjusting well to our church community, and discuss how we can create an environment where we walk with them and share our faith together.
3. Reflect on this verse: “If our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are the most pitiable of all people.” What hope do we place in Christ? If you have faced trials, share how you have understood the message God may be giving through those experiences and how you can live a joyful life despite them.
