Complacency...a Critical Condition

 

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

~~Amos 6:1a, 4-7~~Psalm 146~~1 Timothy 6:11-16~~Luke 16:19-31~~

 

Complacency

...a feeling of being satisfied

with how things are and not wanting to make them better...

self satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness

of actual dangers or deficiencies. 

 

Woe to the complacent in Zion!

 

Today the readings give us a chilling picture

of what complacency can do to your soul.

The rich man was numbed by his in difference

to the others around him who were less fortunate...

even Lazarus lying at his front door.

 

The wealthy are lounging around on their comfy beds drinking wine

 and indulging themselves.

They are not a bit concerned about anyone or anything else.

 

Some years ago local Houston artists turned a building

scheduled to be demolished into a curious work of art.

They took the exterior frame work

and made it appear that the house had imploded into itself.

 

 

This is an idea of what happens to us when

we allow ourselves to become complacent.

We become turned in upon ourselves, focused only

on what matters to our pleasure.

 

 The rich man passed by Lazarus everyday

 but never noticed, much less cared to see how he could help him.

It was not until both men had dies that the rich man had his eyes opened.

The rich man is being tormented in the netherworld.

Now he can no longer be complacent because he the situation has turned.

 

 ...between us and you a great chasm is established
to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go
from our side to yours or from your side to ours.

 

The great chasm prevents those on either side from coming

 to the assistance of the other. 

Even if one has compassion the great chasm

makes it impossible to cross over. 

 

 We should be vigilant to not let complacency

take up residence in our hearts.

Complacency of the soul is equivalent to imploding into yourself.

Becoming single minded with your own needs

 at the exclusions of all others.

 

 Do not allow complacency to grab hold of your soul

and you will be Blessed.