A Lenten Word - Great Chasm

Homily for Thursday of the Second Week in Lent

A Lenten Word – Great Chasm

When the rich man from today’s parable asked Abraham to send the Lazarus with a drop of water, Abraham responded:

“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” (Luke 16:26).

I have never visited the Grand Canyon; but every time I read this parable, I think of it. I am sure that the reality is far greater than any pictures that I have seen. Nevertheless, the Grand Canyon is indeed a great chasm.

However, such great chasms are not simply accidents of nature. Great chasms exist between people as well as this parable illustrates. The great chasm that existed between Lazarus and the rich man still exists today between the poor and the rich. This is just one example of a division between peoples.

The one great chasm that I consider in many of my prayers and meditations is the difference between my love for God and God’s love for me. Though I try with all my might to express my love for God, it will never come close to God’s expression of love for me.

I would suggest that today we spend some time considering this particular great chasm. How can I love God and express that love in my day-to-day activities? Is there something that I have left undone that I could easily do? It would not have taken a great effort on the part of the rich man to alleviate the sufferings of the poor man lying at his door. Perhaps there is something that I need to do to alleviate another’s suffering.