Jesus’ Life: Chapter 10 – Jesus’ Last Journey To Jerusalem
Jesus told the disciples this Parable:
There was a rich man, who dressed in fine clothes and ate sumptuously every day, and Lazarus, who was poor and lay by the rich man’s gate. Lazarus was covered in sores and would happily have eaten the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Indeed, the dogs came and licked Lazarus’ sores.
Following their deaths, the poor man was taken by the Angels to Paradise while the rich man was taken to hell. From his eternal place of suffering, the rich man looked up and saw Lazarus with Abraham and the Saints. He cried out to Abraham for help, saying, “Have pity on me, send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue”.
Abraham replied, “My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus, received what was bad but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented”, besides, a great chasm exists between us, and no one can cross over.
The rich man said, “Then I beg you”, send Lazarus to my father’s house and warn my five brothers, “So that they don’t come to this place of torment”.
Abraham replied they had Moses and the Prophets but the rich man said, “No, father Abraham, if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent”.
Abraham replied, “If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead”. (Luke 16:19-31)
Thought
We can find many messages in this parable. Here are a few:
- Being rich and not sharing is sinful.
- The road to heaven is through the Gospel of Jesus.
- Once we die, the opportunity to repent and change one’s life has passed.
- Jesus died and rose from the dead; although many have heard, they don’t listen?
Reflection
Lord Jesus, keep my life in balance. Guide me, so I use and share my wealth to benefit the poor, my family, my brothers and my sisters throughout the world. May I never fail to see the many Lazarus’ in my midst.
Prayer: Poor – Daily Service
Make us worthy, Lord,
to serve our brothers and sisters throughout the world,
who live and die in poverty and hunger.
Give them, through our hands,
this day their daily bread,
and by our understanding love,
give them peace and joy.
Make us, Lord,
worthy to serve our brothers and sisters,
scattered all over the world,
who live and die alone and poor.
Give them today, using our hands, their daily bread.
And, using our love, give them peace and happiness. Amen.
