Our parable in this week’s Gospel pits the rich man – sometimes named “Dives” which means “rich” – against Abraham. Interestingly, they both speak “about” Lazarus, but never really speak to Lazarus. The rich man was interested only in himself at first, and then his brothers; never did he really care about Lazarus.
The long-standing teaching of our Church about the “common good” can be applied to the parable of Lazarus. We might wonder, did the rich man ever speak to Lazarus? Did he ever ask or consider what he might need, or was he more concerned with not having Lazarus detract from his home and entry way by begging at his gate?
Saint Thomas Aquinas refers to the common good in the sense that it is, ultimately, a good that serves all people equally. Further, study of Aquinas will guide us to understand that the end of a common good is not diminished by sharing, but through the common sharing in that goal all people are raised up.
Think of a meal that may be served “family style” in a restaurant or at a reception. How do you respond when a plate with five portions is placed at the table of six people? What if that appetizer is your favorite; does that change your actions? Sometimes, you may be able to share a portion, and everyone has a taste. Some items are not so easily shared … you probably won’t cut a jumbo shrimp into pieces.
Often times, that sharing is completed when one person takes action. Perhaps the waiter sets the platter in front of you, and you choose, freely and generously, to pass it first to others, knowing it may come back around the table to you empty. You take joy in sharing your favorite with the other guests.
In our competitive society, taking concern for the common good seems to be a lost concept. Someone else will probably take care of that, we may choose to think. Dr. John Goyette, professor at Thomas Aquinas College, wrote: “When we say that the common good is able to be pursued or enjoyed by many, however, we mean that the common good as such is not diminished by being shared.”
I found that an interesting lens through which to look at how I consider the common good in our modern world. Dr. Goyette offered the example that as pleasant as sharing a bottle of wine may be in a gathering, as it is poured out, it is diminished. This made me wonder if I could make a list of things that can actually be shared without being diminished. When I narrowed my list, I ended up with just a few things: God, love, peace, and nature.
God is of course the primary common good to which we are rightly directed. Love is only effective when shared, and sharing fraternal love means that we can love even more. Peace is something that naturally advances the state of every person. And from the beginning, our natural world was given to Adam and Eve as stewards, to be shared by both current and future generations. What would be on your list? What might you add as a truly common good that is not diminished when shared?
- Father Jim
Bishop’s Anniversary Mass
Burlington County Sunday, October 5th Cathedral of St. Mary the Assumption in Trenton, NJ. To sign up for the Blessing and Mass, please click here.
Hospice Care Information
Faith at Home
These links provides you with the latest one-page resource for families, Faith At Home; it connects to the theme of the upcoming Sunday Liturgy. This resource is updated each week and can be found on the diocesan webpage at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/faith-at-home and en Español at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/fe-en-casa.
May God continue to bless us and keep us close to Him.
Please support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul so that together we can help local families in need. Those needing help should call the SVDP helpline at 856-291-7313. Click this link to visit the SVdP website: www.SVDPmoorestown.org
Local food pantries include:
St. Matthew's Church, 318 Chester Ave.
First Baptist Church, 19 West Main St., Moorestown
Bethel AME, 512 N. Church St., Moorestown
Prince of Peace 61 E Rte 70, Marlton, NJ 08053
SVDP also has Thinking of You cards available. A gift can be given to the poor in the name of someone special at your
request. You will be remembered in the prayers and works of the Moorestown Vincentians. We are so very grateful for your
generous ongoing donations.
Our Promise to Protect
The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors. The Diocese has in place a Victim’s Assistance Coordinator, who is available to obtain support for your needs and help you make a formal complaint of abuse.
If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan Abuse Hotline: 1-888-296-2965 or via email at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org.
The Diocese encourages anyone with an allegation to also report that abuse to their local law enforcement agency. The Diocese reports all allegations received to the appropriate county prosecutor’s office.
ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS
please click on the corresponding hyperlinks below
