Standing with Lazarus, (the God's Children)

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 25, 2022

Readings: Amos 6:1, 4–7; Psalm 146:7–10;  1 Timothy 6:11–16; Luke 16:19–31

(Poor Lazarus and the rich man Luke 16:19–31)
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/GCOPZL-rpGY 

We live in contrasting times, situations and circumstances. Often we find it difficult to digest such moments and ask ourselves, why that is so. In fact, all of us are born in this world just like any other human being. However, the differences and contrasts that we develop around us often put us into deep existential questions which deal extensively with the purpose of our lives. The liturgical readings of this Sunday have a lot to say to us about the contrasting things and dichotomies that we experience every day of our lives. 

1. Rewards according to one's earthly life

Jesus begins today's discourse in the Gospel of Luke 16:19–31 with the following parable which is contrasting in many ways. "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. (Luke 16:19-20). A rich man is without a name whereas a poor man is with the name Lazarus (in Hebrew "Eleazar" which means "Yahweh is my help") making their living in close proximity. In spite of the glaring differences in their lifestyles, they were no strangers to each other. The story is full of contrasts, dichotomies and of differences. However, their common goal is one that is to live in this world. 

What is fascinating in this parable of the rich man and the poor Lazarus is how both of them were treated after their earthly life. The earthly differences continue to exist even after their death but in a different form. The poor man, Lazarus was rewarded with the heavenly joy of sitting in the bosom of Abraham. While the rich man has to burn eternally in hell in the company of Lucifer. The poor are always rewarded in the scriptures and now it becomes a reality in the person of Lazarus. 

2. Too much care for one's own

In spite of being in the burning flames, the rich man thinks not just about himself but of his other five family members who are also living a reckless and careless life of hedonism and self-sufficiency. The words of the rich man are astonishing. "Then I beg you, father (Abraham), send him (Lazarus) 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" (Luke 16: 27-28). We can imagine the rich man's agony in this distress and thinks not about other poor persons like Lazarus and taking care of them but about his family members. The rich man's heart is confined to his loved ones only. 

The parable does not say that wealth is bad but it says that it must be shared with others especially those who do not have it. The parable does not even say that money is bad. The kind of life the rich man has to continue in hell is because of his refusal to share the basic necessities of his life with those who have less or none.  He accepts the world as it is, without trying to change anything or making a positive impact on it. He is not cruel or mistreats the poor Lazarus instead ignores him completely. He fails Lazarus in filling his stomach, moreover, the poor man is ill with wounds around him. What the gospel tells us is that we must not fail the poor and needy, sick and suffering. We cannot be complacent with our mediocre life from being proactive. In fact, everyone has the capacity to make a difference in the lives of people.  

  3. Indifference toward others costs you

The rich man symbolizes a society which does not care for those who have less or nothing. It is a society where only those with money and power have a right to live and rule over others. It is nothing but a fragmented and frustrating society with a carefree life who have said goodbye to the author of life. In this world, the rich and powerful make a name for themselves and dine sumptuously, while the poor remain anonymous, and refused an invitation to their feasts. Even today the world is divided between the rich and poor, the powerful and marginalized, those with access to education and healthcare and those without. On the other hand, Lazarus is silent throughout the parable. Abraham speaks on his behalf. Often those who are subjugated to oppression do not speak instead others have to speak for them. 

Today’s Liturgy is a call to repentance—to heed the warning of One who was raised from the dead. Thus we may lay hold of the eternal life Jesus promises. In order to do so, we must be honest, pursue righteousness, and keep the commandment of love. We are told not to cheat the poor, not to steal from those who can least afford it, and not to take advantage of those who are already down on their luck. Of course, we must not take advantage of the vulnerable, poor and marginalized.  We are called to treat all God's people decently and appropriately, and take proper care of everyone. 

Questions for reflections: 

1. What is God saying to you as you read today's Gospel of the rich man and poor Lazarus?
2. A number of expressions are used in today's Gospel: colour…the purple fine linen… the heat of the flames… The dryness of the rich man’s tongue ...Imagine the scene on earth… the rich man feasting…Lazarus is suffering…dogs licking his wounds,  notice what feelings or thoughts stir up in you.
3. How do you look at life when the whole order of life flipped upside down… how do you imagine hell and the rich man’s agony? How do you imagine Lazarus, in great comfort with Abraham?
4. “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” Finish your time of prayer by talking with Jesus about this story…the one who did rise from the dead…are you convinced?

Prayer: 

Gracious and loving God,  you who secures justice for the oppressed,  gives food to the hungry and set the captives free make us like you in our everyday dealings. Lord, you give sight to the blind, raise up those who are bowed down, love the just, protect the strangers, and help us to make our lifestyle worthy of your praise. 

Father of mercy and compassion, you sustain those who are orphans, and widows, give us that sense of compassion and affection towards others who are feeble and defenceless.  You who thwart the wicked give us the courage to fight for the rights of everyone, so that all of us may have a decent life on this earth.  Lord, give us the courage and strength to believe that we can make a difference  and move us to love in concrete ways  so that all your people may enjoy justice and peace. We make this prayer in Jesus' holy name, Amen. 

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

September 23, 2022