Vicky Jacobsen
- Kjelder
- Mar 5
- 2 min read
How have my actions, my motivations and my behaviors affected the world?
I have been at St. Alban’s since 1984-42 years thanks to my husband, Bob. I am currently on the Advisory Committee as the Liason for Hospitality. I serve with the Lunch with the Word crew and I participate on Altar Guild. I also am a part of the St. Alban’s book club!
But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things and Lazarus in like manner evil things, but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Luke 16:25
Devotional
I chose to meditate on verse 25 of this passage as it represents, to me, what we are called to concentrate on for a “Holy Lent”. The prayer book tells us to observe Lent through self-examination, and repentance. How have our behaviors affected us and others we know or briefly meet? Am I even aware of those effects? I was in yoga class this morning and the teacher said “we are responsible for our own joy and for bringing joy to others”. This made me think of this passage again. How have my actions, my motivations and my behaviors affected the world? The rich man in this story never appears to acknowledge his behavior. He does not repent and is not showing any gratitude or thanksgiving for all he received in his lifetime. Will we use this time of self-examination to repent and reflect on our own lives?
While the rich man was eating well every day, Lazurus was hungry outside his gate. In death, their fortunes are reversed. This verse helps me to remember to not neglect others and to use my resources to help further God’s purposes. It reminds me to show gratitude for all I have and to share what I have been given. This Scripture is also a warning, showing that our actions have eternal consequences and that we are judged according to those actions. It is too late for the rich man.
I often forget that I am here to fit into God’s plan for the world; not to fit God into mine! I want to remember during Lent, to be of assistance to others as well as a reflection of God’s love in the World.
