Readings: Amos 6:1a,4-7; Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:6c-7,8-9a,9bc-10(R.v.1b); 1 Tim 6:-11-16; Gospel Lk 16:19-31.
Theme: The Parable of Reversal & a Call to Charity
Most scripture scholars agree that the whole of chapter 16 of Luke’s Gospel revolves around the central theme of material possessions. The chapter is structured into three parts which we have read recently namely, the story of the unjust steward (Vv. 1-13), the Pharisees’ (who loved money) protest and Jesus’ response (Vv. 14-18) and now, the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Vv. 19-31). The entire chapter, talks to the heart of issues surrounding one’s attitude towards material possessions.
On this Sunday, we are presented with the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk. 19-31). It is important to note that the rich man referred to in the gospel is a symbol of the Jews who had been blessed by God as the chosen people but took the graces of God for granted. Let us consider the following points in this reflection:
Jesus meant the parable for the Jews who had enjoyed a good life on earth but refused to enrich their neighbours by way of sharing their spiritual wealth with the Gentiles (Luke 6:24, 25).
Metaphorically, the gentiles whom they considered as dogs would appear satisfied with the crumbs that fall from the master’s table. The story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:26, 27 illustrates this more.
The Jews had enjoyed “the good life” while on earth but had done nothing to enrich their neighbours. “Woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger” (Luke 6:24, 25).
Conversely, Lazarus symbolised all those who are poor in spirit especially the Gentiles with whom the Israelites were to share a common heritage.
It is crucial to understand that the sins of the rich man stems from the fact that he was completely indifferent to the plight of Lazarus; also, he did not show the poor man love, sympathy or compassion thereby abusing his stewardship. By not extending a hand of friendship to the poor man, the rich man used his wealth for self aggrandisement. As such;
By naming the poor man Lazarus, [a derivative of Eleazar, which means, God my helper] and leaving the rich man nameless, Jesus demonstrates divine solidarity with the lowly thus bringing down the self conceited - Something akin to the words of the Canticle of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Luke 1:46-55).
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus offers his audience a glimpse of the existential reality of life after death and a testimony that both heaven and hell are real – meaning that at the end of time, we cannot mitigate pain and suffering as a result of the bad choices we made on earth.
It equally teaches us that at the end of time, we would recollect about the chances we missed, the graces we resisted and also grief after our rejection of the gospel.
It calls Christians not to buy into the cheap ideology that being poor and destitute, like Lazarus is a curse from God and that prosperity like that of the rich man is an evidence of God’s love and blessing – an idea that may have implicated the rich man at the end.
The gospel does not in any way imply that being poor or destitute guarantees one for eternal life.
In this Jubilee Year of mercy, Christians are called to take headlong issues that concern the plight of the poor because those who show mercy to the poor are by implication ministering to Christ personally (Matthew 25:35-40).
The parable helps us to develop a deeper insight into understanding that Lazarus’ plight indicates that the children of God can suffer on earth as a result of the tragic consequence of living in a sinful world where there is absence of equitable distribution of temporal goods/resources.
The story demonstrates the power of the Word of God in turning unbelief into faith (Cf. James 1:18 & Hebrew 4:12) as indicated by Abraham’s words in verses 29 and 31 when he referred to “Moses and the Prophets.”
By shifting the attention of us audience from “Moses and the Prophets” to the power of his Word, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their disregard of the Scriptures and teaches us that our faith should not be based on miracles or verified facts like raising the dead since such a testimony may not be sufficient after all.
The parable calls us to reflect on the sharp contrast between the miserable life of Lazarus who is naked, decked with sores, feeds on crumbs and the man’s rich luxurious wardrobe as well as lavish banquets with the aim of initiating attempts at breaking down the walls which separate the haves and the have-nots.
The rich man may have been surrounded by friends and family, professional colleagues or business associates and waiters, while Lazarus had a clique of street scavengers or beggars, flies and dogs (which soothed his sores by licking them) for companions. While the former was treated with honour, respect and grandeur, poor Lazarus was apparently treated with crude compassion.
It is important to note that the story of the rich man and Lazarus is the “parable of reversals.” In the story, we notice the following reversals:
1.The poor in spirit, symbolized by Lazarus as well as the Gentiles who hungered and thirsted after righteousness would be filled and inherit the kingdom of heaven - The “dogs” and sinners, so despised by the self-righteous Pharisees, would enter heaven before they would (Matthew 21:31).
2. While Lazarus desired crumbs on earth, the rich man asks for water to quench his thirst in hades.
3. Lazarus gets the best feast while the rich man begs to satisfy his thirst.
4. While the rich man enjoyed in the bosom of attendants, friends and family, Lazarus goes to the bosom of Abraham.
5.While the rich man made mammon his God, all Lazarus had was Yahweh, the refuge of the poor. The gospel narrative connects with the first reading (Am 6:1A, 4-7) because it suggests that those who are enjoying now are likely to suffer later - a confirmation of reversal and a clear warning to those who do not develop the spirit of charity. The message of second reading (1 Tm 6:11-16) that God desires that we pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness reinforce the call to charity. May God help us to bridge chasm between the rich and poor by creating a world where Lazarus is feed, clothed and loved as we compete well for the faith. H[truncated by Fr Justine: Have a great week ahead!
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