Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

Lazarus represents that nagging feeling that something more needs to be done for children who suffer, for adults who have nowhere to sleep, for migrants who travel so far from home only to be refused. What good is our material wealth, and our gifts and talents that God gives us, if we don’t use them for the good of others? We can very quickly find ourselves in the position of the rich man when we forget to put the good of others before our own needs.

The work Catholic Charities does every single day places a priority on the common good. Our offices can sometimes be a place of comfort and relief for those in need, but we need to be attentive to what those needs are. The people who walk through our doors need to know that they are more than just a client. They need to know that we are truly concerned about their well-being.

Jeremiah is homeless and usually comes to our office to seek shelter from the West Texas weather. In the summer he sits in the air conditioned lobby, and in the winter he comes in for the warmth. Many times the stench would bother others, including staff and other clients sitting in the lobby, but I always saw Jeremiah as an opportunity to serve Jesus in the flesh. There were many times I would offer him a cup of warm coffee or a breakfast burrito or a piece of sweet bread. Then one day I went up to him and asked if he would like some menudo (a popular Mexican soup); he smiled and said yes. That smile was the most beautiful smile I had ever seen on his face, and it was the smile of Jesus!

How many times do we see Lazarus sitting outside and tend to his needs? Where is Lazarus today, waiting for you to recognize and reach out personally to him? During this Lenten season, we are all challenged to open our hearts to those in need as we search to find Lazarus and let him know that God cares for him through the care and concern of others. 

Cynthia Quintanilla is the Executive Director for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Lubbock, Texas and has worked for the agency for more than 23 years. Cynthia is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago thanks to CCUSA.  When Cynthia is not busy working, she enjoys spending time with her two grandsons, 9 year old Xander and 3 year old Saul.    

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