Jesus said to the Pharisees:
“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen
and dined sumptuously each day.
And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps
that fell from the rich man’s table.
Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.
When the poor man died,
he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.
The rich man also died and was buried,
and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,
he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off
and Lazarus at his side.
And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me.
Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,
for I am suffering torment in these flames.’
Abraham replied,
‘My child, remember that you received
what was good during your lifetime
while Lazarus likewise received what was bad;
but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.
Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established
to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go
from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’
He said, ‘Then I beg you, father,
send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers,
so that he may warn them,
lest they too come to this place of torment.’
But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets.
Let them listen to them.’
He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham,
but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'”

Last Thursday the Browns played the Steelers in Cleveland before an enthusiastic crowd of over 62,000 football fans. I would like you to consider for a moment 4 particular fans that spark the imagination:  

The first fan — in the far left corner of the stadium — was a women in her 40s, sitting with her friend. She was divorced and, her expression showed deep distress. She had been married to an abusive man, and she became pregnant but because she did not want him to be the father of their child, she had an abortion.  She later grieved the loss of the child — even hearing the cries of the infant in her sleep. She was tormented.  She went to Confession, back to Sunday Mass and began living her Faith.  She is now on the right path but still grieves so much loss.

The second fan to consider was at left-center (the Lake Erie side of the First Energy Stadium): he is a young man in his late twenties, and until recently he was addicted to pornography, alcohol and chemical substance abuse. His face also showed distress. But he too changed: Confession, back to Sunday Mass, embracing the Ten Commandments. He began to feel great hope.  

The third person is found right-center: She too is in her twenties, coming from a solid family, strong in her Catholic Faith all her life, and living a Christ-like lifestyle. She hopes for a great future and is a very happy person (Especially that day — the Brown were winning!)  

One more fan for you to consider, who is found far northeast, farther, keep looking, almost in corner … There he is, yes! He is in his late 40s and dressed ostentatiously in purple. His arms are crossed against his chest, broodingly, and his body language says, accurately, that he is only about himself, caring nothing about God or his neighbor. He will reach out to no one, ever and forever, now and later, deep into the dark abyss after his death. Nothing! No one ever counts but him … He is today’s parable. And we cannot be like him …  

We must change, seek forgiveness, get rid of the addictions of the past, and adapt our focus. We must reach out to those who have less than we have, hear the cry of the poor. Only in this Way can we gain Heaven — not Hell — and win the game in this beloved stadium of Life.

Monsignor Michael J. Cariglio, Jr., Pastor & Rector, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica and Saint Anthony Parish

It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an Act of Spiritual Communion, which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion is an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and lovingly embrace him at a time or in circumstances when one cannot receive Him in sacramental Communion. The most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot attend Mass. Acts of Spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid the sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily.

Spiritual Communion Prayer

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love you above all things and I desire to receive you in my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally,

Come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace you as if you were already there

And unite myself wholly to you.

Never permit me to be separated from you.

Amen.