Many times in our lives, we do not realize the consequences of our actions until it is too late, and there is not much we can do about them. Such is the case of the rich man in the parable of today’s gospel, and it is told, I think, as a means of getting us to reflect on our own actions and way of life so that, before it is too late, we may, with the help of grace, change our ways. The rich man had everything he needed. We are told that dressed and ate extravagantly every day. This stands in sharp contrast to Lazarus, who laid at the rich man’s door and longed to eat even the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. At their death, this disparity continues. On one side, Lazarus, having no one to take care of him, is taken away by angels. On the other, the rich man, who was always served by others, is buried. Finally, in the afterlife, their lives are also entirely opposite; the chasm that separated them in life now too stands between them. But what is this chasm, and why does one end up with Abraham and the other in torment?
It is common, even natural, for individuals to look after their own selves. Such is the case of both characters in the parable. The critical difference, however, is necessity. Lazarus has nothing to eat or survive on, while the rich man has more than enough. The latter has become so self-centered that he is utterly blind to the needs of his neighbour. He is so concerned with his own needs and pleasures that a great chasm separates him from those around him. It is this same chasm that in the afterlife stands between him and Lazarus. After his death, the rich man realizes the consequences of his actions and seeks to alleviate his situation. However, his ways haven’t changed.
He pleads with Abraham that he may send Lazarus to comfort him, thus betraying an attitude towards his neighbour is still wholly self-centred and belittling. Abraham assures him that the chasm between them is unbreachable, thus making him realize that the consequences of his actions in life are now eternally his lot, and there is nothing he can do about his situation. It is at this point that we see a change in the way the rich man acts. For the first time, he thinks about others and not only about himself: he remembers his father and brothers and asks Abraham to warn them so that they may not suffer the same fate. Abraham assures him that in Moses and the prophets, they have all they need to be aware of the consequences of his actions and persuaded to repent.
Similarly, for us, we have in the Chruch and her teachings all we need to know how we should be living our lives. Better yet, in Jesus and the sacraments, we have the means to bring about the change that is needed. We may, or may not, be rich like the man in the parable, nor might we be wholly absorbed with ourselves like him. But without a doubt, there are areas in our lives that we are being called to change, and people in our lives that we being called to serve. Let us not be complacent. Instead, let us strive to live holy lives that seek to bring about the Kingdom of God here and now.
Santiago Torres – St. Joseph Seminary, Edmonton, Alberta
Fot. Randall Greene/Unsplash.com