Deacon Larry

  March 12, 2009

Homily

Thursday of Second Week of Lent

Jer 17: 5-10; Lk 16: 19-31

Dc. Larry Brockman

Once a year I like to visit my son in Seattle.  And in the 5 or so years I have done that, I can’t remember a single time I wasn’t approached by a homeless person on the streets of Seattle.  It is usually close to the waterfront, shortly after I have dined in a fine seafood restaurant.  And so, this gospel reading often comes to mind.  The homeless person always shakes me out of a sense of contentment.  I have just reached my destination- ready for a nice vacation, and good times with my son and his family.  Aren’t I entitled to a fine meal while I am on vacation without having to be accosted by these people on the street?  Why are these people always there- every year?  And how is it they always seem to know who the visitors are?  Why can’t they just go away?   

One way of looking at it is that I have worked hard for my retirement.  Indeed, I worked for 40 years, saved, and was able to retire.  Now, I am entitled to a life of relative leisure, especially when I am on vacation.  Or am I. 

Jeremiah says “Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in the flesh…”  And if I set my agenda, if I am always in control, then isn’t that seeking strength in the flesh?  So, maybe there is another way to look at it.  And that is that I have been truly blessed by God.  I was fortunate to have been able to work 40 years and earned a safe retirement.  But the challenge of life does not end with attainment of success, or for that matter even with retirement.  Rather, the challenge of life continues, no matter what your status in life is.  That challenge is to trust in the Lord, as Jeremiah advises rather than in yourself.   

When you are approached by a homeless person on the street, begging for food, you have some options.  You can ignore him, and just walk away; or you can listen patiently to his plight, and then admonish him to get a job like you did; or you can give him some money; or you can take him somewhere and buy him a meal  The question is:  What will you do? 

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