Reading [Luke 16:19-31]

READING : There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire. But Abraham replied, Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us. He answered, then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment. Abraham replied, they have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them. No, father Abraham, he said, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent. He said to him, If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.

REFLECTION : The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 offers rich material for reflection. Firstly, the stark contrast between the lives of the rich man and Lazarus invites us to reflect on our own attitudes towards wealth and poverty. The rich man is described as living in luxury, seemingly oblivious to the suffering of Lazarus, who lay at his gate. This challenges us to consider how we might sometimes live insulated from the struggles of others, failing to notice or respond to the needs around us. The parable prompts a deep self-examination: are we using our resources to help those in need, or are we more concerned with our comfort and status?

Secondly, the reversal of fortunes in the afterlife serves as a powerful reminder that earthly wealth and success are fleeting. Lazarus, who suffered in life, is comforted in the afterlife, while the rich man, who had everything, finds himself in torment. This challenges the notion that material wealth is a sign of divine favour and urges us to focus on living a life of compassion and righteousness, rather than pursuing wealth for its own sake.

Finally, this parable is a call to action. It urges us not to be passive in our faith but to actively live out the values of compassion, justice, and generosity. The rich man’s neglect of Lazarus led to his eternal separation from God’s presence, highlighting the serious consequences of ignoring the needs of others. The parable encourages us to live with awareness and compassion, to use our resources wisely, and to take seriously the teachings of Scripture, understanding that our actions have eternal significance.

PRAYER : Dear Lord, open our eyes to the suffering of those around us, that we may never be indifferent to their needs. Grant us hearts of compassion, and teach us to use our resources generously to serve others. Help us to live not for earthly riches, but for the treasures of heaven. May Your Word guide our actions, and may we always be mindful of the eternal consequences of our choices. Amen.

CONTEMPLATION : Sit quietly and let your heart be still. Close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to settle into the silence. As you breathe, bring to mind the image of Lazarus lying at the rich man’s gate, unnoticed and uncared for. Reflect on how often you might pass by those in need, distracted by your own concerns. In this moment of stillness, ask God to soften your heart, to open your eyes to the suffering around you, and to fill you with compassion.

Now, picture the scene of Lazarus being carried to Abraham’s side, comforted and at peace. Let this image remind you that in God’s kingdom, it is not wealth or status that matters, but love and kindness. Sit with this truth, allowing it to sink deep into your heart. As you prepare to return to your day, carry with you a renewed commitment to live with awareness, compassion, and generosity. End your meditation with a gentle prayer: Lord, guide my heart and my actions, that I may be a vessel of your love and mercy.

ACTION : Reach out to someone in your community who might be struggling or feeling overlooked-a neighbour, a colleague, or even a stranger you encounter. Offer them a kind word, a small gesture of support, or simply your time to listen.