Persistence is underrated or overlooked as a spiritual virtue. It can make all the difference when we face difficult challenges.

Today’s gospel could be titled, “How soon they forget.”

How do you view the notion of “duty” in your life? Do you feel overwhelmed by duties, perhaps resentful at times because of all that is expected of you?

Most of us living in the developed world share more in common with the rich man than with Lazarus. We share some of the comfortable conditions that entrapped the rich man in callous disregard.

What role does money play in your life? Is it a source of security, worry, comfort, pride, anxiety, power—perhaps all of the above?

The story of the Prodigal Son contains many lessons, one of which is that we all lose our way sometimes. Recall a time in your life when you were lost—or perhaps that time is now.

Today’s gospel speaks of the cost of discipleship.

"They were watching him,” we read of the Pharisees, who were eyeing Jesus as he dined.

“Strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees.” Whatever suffering you may encounter, God calls you not merely to stop there. Are difficulties a symptom of something wrong in your priorities?

At Masses around the world every day, millions of people, in the words of the gospel, “eat and drink” with the Lord—would Jesus disown any of them, the way the master does in the gospel story?