26TH SUNDAY, ORDINARY TIME YR C
Am 6:1,4-7; Ps 145
1 Tim 6:11-16; Lk 16:19-31
Punished For Doing Nothing
We are blessed this Sunday with the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31.
The rich man is described as one who was very rich and clothed herself in purple and fine linen garment. This kind of garment is worn by very high ranking political officials and royals. It is also worn by the high priest. This description points to the fact that he was a very affluent person and its possible he had both political and religious influence. He feasted everyday too.
On the other hand, there was Lazarus whose body was covered with sores and dogs licking his wound and was hungry. Lazarus represents the true nature of our human condition; poor, sick, wretched and hungry. Lazarus lives at the gate of the rich man.
The gate is what keeps the rich man and his feasting friends apart. It may represent also some ritual prescriptions about the uncleanliness of those who have sores on their bodies. But more importantly it represents moments of reflection. This is because everybody on his way home would take a stop to open his gates. That moment to open the gate would be a moment to stop, look and notice Lazarus.
The second part of the parable says that both died. The rich man found himself in hell and Lazarus found himself in Heaven. The manner in which Jesus describes the death of Lazarus is significant. He says Lazarus died and was carried by angels. But the rich man died and was buried. The description of the death of the rich man is a description of the end of all those who choose mammon over God. Death is indeed their end. But those who have God would always be helped by angels. Incidentally, Lazarus’ name means God is my helper. Even in his poverty, wretchedness and hunger, Lazarus had the assistance of God.
One would wonder what wrong the rich man did to be sent to hell. He didn’t sack Lazarus, he didn’t beat him neither did he insult him. In fact, the rich man was punished for doing nothing, for what he failed to do. He was punished for not noticing the need of Lazarus. For not noticing the poverty, hunger and sickness.
In a world where the “ish” thing is mind your own business or that don’t talk about me so long as its not hurting you, we are gradually losing communal responsibility and fraternity of looking out for one another. In a situation like this we must ask ourselves, what obligations do we have towards one another and the community. Do we notice the neighbour who abuses his wife? The one who abuses children? The one who throws garbage into the gutter? The leader who abuses his power? In the kingdom of God, indifference is not a virtue neither is it an option.
The story further negated the idea that riches and wealth are blessing from God and poverty and suffering is a curse. I am not by this saying one should be content with poverty and do nothing to come out of it, that will be unacceptable. What it means is that, whatever wealth comes to you should be used in such a way as to pave way for eternity.
The rich man begged that Lazarus should be allowed to go warn his brothers. Father Abraham says they have Moses and the Prophets and that is enough. Moses and the Prophets simply put is their Bible. What Jesus means is that the Word of God is enough to help us gain eternal life. How much of the Word of God do we know? Do we have a Bible in our homes? The real wealth that saves us is a yielding to the Word of God.
As we reflect on this parable, we see ourselves as Lazarus calling upon God our helper. To help us in moments of loneliness, hunger and poverty. For our brothers and sisters who are poor, feel rejected, isolated and unloved, never give up. God is your helper. Call on him. He will send angels to aid you.
For us who find ourselves in the brother of the rich man, who needs somebody to rise from the dead; Who needs miracles, Jesus says we do not need that. He says we have his Word, the teachings of the apostles and the catechism for our direction.
May the lord guide us. May he protect us. May he lead us to focus and notice those who need us. May he help us to never forget that we shall win the prize of heaven only by acts of mercy that responds to human needs.
May the Lord help us always on this journey of life.
By Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
