In 1950, Albert Schweitzer was named “Man of the Century” during a gathering with representatives from 17 different countries. Just two years later, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Schweitzer had certainly earned such honors. He was an exceptional philosopher, theologian, historian, concert soloist and missionary doctor. Yet, what made him truly remarkable was his unwavering Christian faith. That faith shaped even the smallest details of his life.
At the age of 21, Schweitzer made a personal vow: he would dedicate himself to art and science until he turned 30, and then devote the rest of his life to service. On his 30th birthday in 1905, he mailed several letters to his parents and closest friends, announcing that he would study medicine so he could serve the poor as a missionary doctor in Africa.
By age 38, he had become a physician. Five years later, he opened a hospital in Africa, where he would spend the rest of his life serving the sick and needy until his death in 1965 at the age of 90.
What motivated Schweitzer to turn away from fame and worldly comfort to serve the poor? He once shared that one of his greatest inspirations came from today’s Gospel – the story of the rich man and Lazarus.
Schweitzer once said, “It struck me as inconceivable that I should be allowed to live such a happy life while so many people around me were wrestling with suffering.”
And that is the heart of today’s Gospel. The sin of the rich man wasn’t that he abused Lazarus or drove him away. His sin was much quieter, but just as serious. He simply failed to see him. Lazarus became part of the background, just another fixture of life the rich man chose to ignore.
He accepted his wealth without question and allowed suffering to exist at his doorstep without lifting a finger to help. It was a sin of omission – a sin still repeated in our world today.
President John F. Kennedy once said, “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.” In other words, a society that overlooks the poor not only fails those in need – it hurts its own moral foundation.
Today’s Gospel challenges us to live with the same compassion and conviction as Albert Schweitzer. We may not be able to travel across the world or build hospitals, but each of us can ask: “How can I live joyfully while others suffer? What can I do to help my neighbor in need?”
In 1979, Pope John Paul II offered a powerful message at Yankee Stadium: “We cannot stand idly by, enjoying our own riches and freedom, if in any place Lazarus stands at our door.”
This message resonates strongly as we celebrate the Church’s Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” Like Schweitzer, we are called to be hopeful witnesses who walk with others, especially the poor and forgotten. Pilgrims of hope don’t look away from suffering. They walk toward it with compassion, mercy and action. As we journey through this Jubilee, may we acknowledge the needy in our lives and respond with Christ’s call to love and hope.
So, my friends, look around you. Recognize the Lazarus at your door. And make it your mission that no one ever has to beg for crumbs from your table.
