Give Him the Lot

And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table.
Lk.16:20,21

Suffering at the rich man's very gate wasn't enough to penetrate his indifference. 

This parable always leaves me feeling uncomfortable. It immediately calls forth an image of the last beggar I passed by.

I remember a time when my wife and I were staying on the shore of Lake Como, Italy. Going to Mass we literally had to step over a beggar to get inside the church. I had already decided to place 20 Euros on the collection plate but, being a midweek Mass, no collection was made. I told Kate I'd give 5 Euros to the beggar on the way out, feeling very generous. Her response was typical of her. "Give him the lot you scrooge." 

If I want to meet Jesus outside the sacraments, I'm pretty certain to find him in the poor. 

Jesus, heal me of my indifference. Break my heart with the things that breaks yours.