19 “There was once a rich man who dressed in the most expensive clothes and lived in great luxury every day. 20 There was also a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who used to be brought to the rich man’s door, 21 hoping to eat the bits of food that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the feast in heaven. The rich man died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, where he was in great pain, he looked up and saw Abraham, far away, with Lazarus at his side. 24 So he called out, ‘Father Abraham! Take pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip his finger in some water and cool my tongue, because I am in great pain in this fire!’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Remember, my son, that in your lifetime you were given all the good things, while Lazarus got all the bad things. But now he is enjoying himself here, while you are in pain. 26 Besides all that, there is a deep pit lying between us, so that those who want to cross over from here to you cannot do so, nor can anyone cross over to us from where you are.’ 27 The rich man said, ‘Then I beg you, father Abraham, send Lazarus to my father’s house, 28 where I have five brothers. Let him go and warn them so that they, at least, will not come to this place of pain.’ 29 Abraham said, ‘Your brothers have Moses and the prophets to warn them; your brothers should listen to what they say.’ 30 The rich man answered, ‘That is not enough, father Abraham! But if someone were to rise from death and go to them, then they would turn from their sins.’ 31 But Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone were to rise from death.’ ”
Other readings: Amos 6:1, 4-7; Psalm 146:6-10; 1 Timothy 6:11-16
LECTIO
Last week we considered what it means to be a good steward of all that God gives us. Luke alone gives us this parable which develops Jesus’s teaching further.
Wealth appears to have made this rich man blind. He had seen Lazarus in a pitiful state outside his luxurious home. He even knew Lazarus’s name (verse 24). But he did absolutely nothing to help him.
All Jews would know that Moses and the prophets taught that the rich had a social responsibility to care for the poor. In his selfishness this rich man disobeyed God’s law. It is ironic that later, never having lifted a finger to help Lazarus, he asks Abraham to tell Lazarus to help him.
In Hades, family bonds draw out some compassion from the rich man. He thinks of his brothers and asks Abraham to send Lazarus with a warning. He doesn’t want them to end up with the same punishment as him. Abraham responds that they have Moses and the prophets to warn them. This isn’t good enough for the rich man. He believes something more dramatic is needed – only someone rising from the dead will convince his family. Abraham gives a very telling reply: “They will not be convinced even if someone were to rise from death” (verse 31).
Not long after these words were spoken Jesus himself died and rose from the dead. Abraham’s insight proved accurate both then and now. Even a great miracle will not convince those who ignore the warnings of the Bible. Sadly, many today still refuse to believe in God’s Son, Jesus, and to serve him as their loving Master.
MEDITATIO
What is God revealing to you from this passage? Are you obeying God’s teaching in this area of your life?
Consider whether you are taking seriously the call to help others in need. This may mean more than just giving money; spending time with someone may be just as precious.
Compare this reading with the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
ORATIO
How is God’s concern for the poor and disadvantaged revealed in Psalm 146? Pray about your own response to this concern and pray for all those working to bring relief to those in need.
CONTEMPLATIO
Spend some time considering the majesty of God described in 1 Timothy 6:15-16.
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