THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS
Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1; Luke 16:19-31
Wealth should not make us indifferent to the plight and dignity of the human life. The rich man in today’s gospel reading was condemned because in his riches he was indifferent to the situation of Lazarus; what Catechism would call sin of omission. Wealth is not a crime, God wants us to have wealth but He equally desires our souls to be saved (3 John 1:2).
In riches we must learn to seek wisdom. We must not trust in riches for they cannot save us. When death comes, money is not an answer. The first reading says “A curse on the man who puts his trust in man and turns from the Lord”. What then is our hope? Today’s Psalm says “Happy the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.” Beloved, trust in God and be happy both now and forever.
Lastly, today’s parable teaches about the reality of Heaven and Hell. The reality of heaven and hell remain strongly debated today in many Christian literatures. However, today’s gospel says if they don’t believe the scriptures; they won’t believe even if someone should rise from the dead to preach to them. Beloved, Hell is a departure from God, Matt. 25:41-42 – “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:” While Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. John 14:2 – In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? During this period and always, let’s prepare for heaven through selflessness, charity, prayers and abstinence.
LET US PRAY
O God, who delight in innocence and restore it, direct the hearts of your servants to yourself, that, caught up in the fire of your Spirit, we may be found steadfast in faith and effective in works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
