Thursday of the second week in lent

​Date: Thursday, February29
Contributor: Ross Ackerman
Lectionary Link https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/ThursSecondWeek.html
 
True Wealth
In halls of splendor, a wealthy man dwelled,
His coffers brimmed; his status proudly held.
Yet at his gate, in destitution's plight,
Lay Lazarus, shunned from the rich man's sight.
 
His body marred, with sores and tears,
Lazarus sought solace, amidst his fears.
But the rich man, blinded by his gain,
Turned a blind eye, to Lazarus' pain.
 
For worldly wealth had clouded his sight,
His heart closed off to compassion's light.
He dined in luxury, heedless of the poor,
While Lazarus languished at his door.
 
But lo, in death, their roles were reversed,
The rich man found torment; his wealth disbursed.
While Lazarus, in Abraham's embrace,
Found solace and comfort, in heavenly grace.
 
For in the end, it was not gold that saved,
Nor riches amassed, in vaults engraved.
But compassion and empathy, virtues divine,
That uplifted Lazarus, in God's design.
 
So let us heed this parable's call,
To embrace compassion, to stand tall.
For in acts of kindness, true wealth is found,
In empathy's embrace, love knows no bound.