From the Friars: Woe to the Complacent
So says the prophet Amos in the first reading today, and this is the gist of the message of Jesus in his parable about the rich man and Lazarus. One definition of complacent is “showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements.” The rich man is condemned to eternal suffering because of what he did not do, a sin of omission. It is likely that he was complacent, vainly self-satisfied and unconcerned with, and unaware of, the great suffering of a fellow human being right at his doorstep. This should put a holy fear into all of us and we should ask ourselves, am I complacent?
Lazarus at the rich man’s gate, by Fyodor Bronnikov – Source, Public Domain, Link
It is a tendency of our fallen nature to be complacent about many things. We focus on the good that we do and the bad that we don’t do, especially comparing ourselves to others who are lesser in our judgement. We think we are living a good life. All the while we do not see the grave responsibilities that we are being negligent about. How we spend money is a good example of this.
Do I see my money as an instrument to serve others or mainly for my own needs and pleasure, or to impress others? When we die, we will stand before the Lord and the motives of all our decisions will be clear to see. (1Cor 4:5)
The rich man missed his opportunity. His death came and he realized too late the truth about himself. This is one reason why frequent confession is recommended by the Church. By doing so we examine our conscience more regularly, and this allows the Holy Spirit to show us the true state of our soul. Then we can repent, be forgiven, and change our lives before it is too late.
May Our Blessed Mother help us to take to heart the warning that her Son gives us today.
God bless you.
–Fr. Peter