TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME September 25, 2016
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 Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man's table. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man 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. 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."
Reflection:
The basic commandment is to love God and neighbor. There is such a scriptural insistence on taking care of the poor and needy because when all have their fill of the good gifts of God it is a sign of God's care and presence, the in-breaking of God's reign where no one will be in need. When we neglect to care for those in need we actually delay the coming of God's kingdom. Listening to God's word, has a double edge: we not only learn to live but also further God's kingdom when we respond appropriately to what we hear. Listening is part of the decisiveness of discipleship. (Living Liturgy, p.216)
Vincentian Meditation:
"As followers of St. Vincent, we profess to have both an eye and a heart for the suffering poor. We profess and proclaim to show the effective compassion of Jesus Christ towards those who are Lazarus in today's world. To have an eye and a heart of compassion for the poor is a grace of Jesus Christ. We cannot turn on the compassion of Jesus, as we would water from a tap. We must humbly ask that grace of compassion from Jesus Christ." (McCullen, Deep Down Things, p. 297)
Discussion: (Share your thoughts after a moment of silence)
What challenges do you hear in this Gospel ?
Closing Prayer:
Lord, give us the grace of compassion for the "Lazarus" in our life, -so that we may suffer with those who suffer. Lord, give us the grace to hear the cries of the poor, -so that we may be a servant of the most oppressed. Amen
FRIDAY FIVE UPDATE:
The Friday Five's frequency will be changing to every other week. Thank you for your understanding.
We have received an Orsinger Foundation Match grant and we need your help!
Any new donation or increased donation from an existing donor, made thru October 31st will be matched by the Foundation! Up to $5,000.
This is critical in our efforts to help our community. What can you do?
1) Spread the Word! Tell your conferences, your friends, everyone, to please donate to SVdP SA.
2) If you've already donated, increase the amount of your last donation.
Please help us receive the match!
Refrigerator Needed
St Vinnys Bistro needs a regular kitchen refrigerator for the employee break room, so the staff can store their meals and snacks. If you or your Conference has one that the Bistro could use, please contact Rachel Esposito at rachel.esposito@svdpsa.org.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the University of the Incarnate Word will be hosting this year's Friends of the Poor Walk on Sunday, November 20th.The location will be the University of Incarnate Word Campus. Stay tuned for more details!
Prayers for Ms. Norma Ortiz's mother from our St. James Conference. Her mother is in ICY and they would all greatly appreciate your prayers.
Pray for Mrs. Cecilia Ortiz of our Lady of Good Counsel Conference. Mr. and Mrs. Ortiz have been long time donors to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. She has been diagnosed with a terrible illness and has requested our prayers.
Please pray for Arnold and Maria Trevinio, our Vincentians from Prince of Peace, who are both suffering from illnesses at this time.
Please continue prayers for Council Treasurer, Langston Rodge, during his difficult illness.
Please continue praying for Yolanda and Ramiro Ramirez, Angela Angel and Gloria de Luna, all from St. Ann's Conference who are experiencing health issues.
Does your Conference have any news, events, or any other information that you would like to share in the Friday Five? **Please note, that events can be advertised if they ONLY support the SVDP Conference. Any events that are put on by a parish can no longer be advertised.**
If so, please email Rachel Esposito at rachel.esposito@svdpsa.org to be include in the next edition of the Friday Five! All information must be submitted by 3:00 pm on Wednesday. Thank you.
We have received an Orsinger Foundation Match grant and we need your help! 
