26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Amos 6:1.4-7

Psalm 145

1Timothy 6:11-16

Luke 16:19-31

THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS 

Today’s readings continue the themes of last Sunday, namely, wealth, social injustice and the preferential option for the poor. They warn against complacency (first reading) and invite us to show concern for the miseries of others, especially the poor (Gospel), for once we fall into the trap of the love of money, we become blind, selfish, and our hearts closed to others and to God. Thus, we are admonished to strive for righteousness, devotion, patience and gentleness, faith, hope and charity (second reading). 

Indeed, the parable of the rich man and the poor Lazarus illustrates the sharp contrast between the two classes that have characterized our human society throughout the ages. On one pole are the “haves”: the wealthy, those who live in abundance, luxury and complacency. On the other pole, the “have-nots”: the poor, the marginalized, the vulnerable, the needy. As such, “a great chasm” or gap is created between the rich and the poor. 

Again, in the parable we notice a striking reversal of fates after death. Lazarus is “comforted” in the bosom of Abraham and the rich man is “tormented” in the flames. However, this does not mean that the poor will automatically go to paradise, while the rich are automatically destined to eternal damnation. The rich man in the parable does not suffer torment because he was rich, but because he was indifferent to the misery of the poor Lazarus who was lying at his door. 

Finally, we note that the rich man is without a name, but the poor is named “Lazarus” which means “God has helped”. This rich man represents therefore each one of us, whenever we become blind to the misery of others and deaf to the cry of the needy. But God does not abandon the poor and the oppressed; he cares for them and rewards those who show compassion for their fellows. Therefore, let us cultivate the habit of helping the poor and of showing concern for the miseries of others. For small gestures of attention and concern for one’s neighbour will not go unrewarded. 

Let us remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you do for one of these least brothers of mine, you do for me” (Matt. 25:40). May the Lord grant us the grace to recognise him in the vulnerable and the needy of our communities. Amen