REFLECTIONS TODAY
The parable of the rich man or Dives (Latin for “rich man”) and the beggar Lazarus is very wellknown. It is characterized by its simplicity and beautiful originality. In contrast to other stories, the characters are not distinguished by their moral state but simply by their social status. The parable does not speak of a “wicked” rich man or a “holy” poor man. Dives does nothing evil against anyone. He has either earned or inherited his enormous wealth. He simply lives like a rich man, a true bon vivant! Neither is Lazarus presented as a holy beggar. He does not beg but merely lies at the gate of the rich man. He seems to wait for death, and eventually he dies. But so does the rich man.
Lazarus’ remains must have been rolled up in a mat and thrown outside the city, probably unmourned. Dives, on the other hand, must have been buried with pomp and loud lamentations. But then there is a radical reversal of situations that ensues. Angels carry poor Lazarus to Abraham, while Dives suffers the torments of hell.
The parable does not teach us that death is some kind of an automatic equalizer. It is rather a powerful reminder to those who would grow rich for themselves instead of growing rich in what “matters to God” (Lk 12:21). In the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus warns, “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry” (Lk 6:24-25). This parable serves as a stern warning, and those who ignore it must be prepared to face the consequences. The wealth that they possess should not dull their sensitivity to the poor. God is on the side of the disadvantaged, and those who do not lift a finger to help the poor isolate themselves and build a chasm between themselves and God.
The parable does not condemn wealth in itself. Rather, it warns against insensitivity and callousness that may afflict the rich. In this context, the fury of the prophet Amos in the First Reading makes a fitting backdrop for the parable. The wanton revelers, the profiteers, the “filthy rich” thought only of the present life, as though their security depended on their riches. They cared neither for the poor nor for the nation. Their feast would be cut short, and they would be sent into exile.
May we look at poor people as God’s channel to bring the rich closer to God. To ignore the poor is to create a chasm between oneself and God which can lengthen to a very great distance over which there can be no crossing.
Gospel • Lk 16:19-31
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.’”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
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