Listening leads to life. Today’s gospel highlights the truth that God sent Moses and the prophets (Lk. 16:29) to speak His words. Then Jesus, the Word made flesh, revealed that He was sent by His Father (Jn. 20:21) to impart words that are spirit and life (Jn. 6:63). However, our listening and response are only pertinent in this life.

The unnamed rich man had every opportunity to listen to the Lord who had blessed him with good things. He could have shown gratitude to God by responding to the needs of Lazarus, the poor man at his door. Both had their fortunes reversed in the afterlife. Am I listening and responding to God so as to inherit eternal life?

Father, touch my ears to listen to Your voice, so that my response may lead me to eternity in Your loving arms. Amen.