Sirach 7:32-36. Stretch forth your hand to the poor, give graciously to all the living and "withhold not kindness from the dead. Do not fail those who weep, but mourn with those who mourn." Do not shrink from visiting a sick person, for you will be loved for doing such things. Always remember the end of your life in all you do and then you will not sin.

Today's gospel was Lazarus and the rich man. The whole Bible is completely filled with how much we must look to the needs of the poor. We must be willing to see them in our midst. This is so hard for us when we live in such a wealthy society. We tend to think that the standard of living of our culture is what we "need" and thus we cling to our wealth in order that we not fall from this standard. But that is wrong. God tells us and shows us every day how much he loves us and will care for us. We have to trust him enough to see to our own needs for the day and then share the rest.

I am not saying I do this. I, too, I'm caught up in the standard of living trap. But it is something I must think about as I ponder always the end of my life. I definitely have room to do better!