LENT REFLECTION:

Rev Michael Anokye: FRIDAY, 30TH FEBRUARY

Prayer: Dear God, I pray you guide me toward truth, love, mercy, gratitude, and compassion. Help me recognize the needs of those around me and enable me to extend Your love, mercy, gratitude, and compassion to those in need. I ask for this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reading: Luke 16:19-31 – “A wealthy man lived in luxury every day. A poor beggar named Lazarus stayed outside his gate, longing to eat the scraps from the rich man’s table. One day, Lazarus died and was taken to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was tormented in Hades. He begged Abraham to send Lazarus to cool his tongue with water. However, Abraham refused, saying that a great chasm had been established. The rich man begged Abraham to warn his family so they would not end up in the same place. Abraham told him they had Moses and the Prophets; if they did not listen, they would not be convinced even if someone rose from the dead.” Read whole chapter HERE

Reflection: In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, one detail stands out. After death, Lazarus was carried by angels to the “Bosom of Abraham” and was comforted. Meanwhile, the rich man went to Hades and was in torment. Despite this, he still tried to look after himself and his interests. He asked Father Abraham to have pity on him and send Lazarus, whom he did not show compassion to when he was alive, to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool his tongue as he was in agony in the fire.

During his lifetime, Lazarus knew that he depended on God’s mercy, and the mercy of God found him after death. On the other hand, the rich man did not have compassion for Lazarus. He thought he had everything and did not realize he was poor in spirit. This parable teaches us that all the blessings we receive in our lives are the gift of God. God judges us based on how we use His grace in our lives.

Let us pray: Dear Jesus, I pray that You will help me to remain humble and not boast about the blessings, grace, and kindness that You have bestowed upon me. Please teach me about Your mercy and compassion so that I can share Your love, kindness, and compassion with others, and bring glory to Your name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Action:

Let us focus on the Lenten gift of mercy and love today. How can we show tender love to others during our difficult times?

Lent helps us to concentrate on showing mercy and receiving it.

Pray that the Lord will guide you to perform an act of kindness during the Lenten season so that you can show kindness to someone.