Gospel: Luke 16:19-31
Jesus said to the Pharisees, “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house — for I have five brothers — that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'”
Luke 16:19-31
Reflection:
Our gospel for today is from Luke 16:19-31 which tells the story of Lazarus and the rich man. Jesus is trying to tell His followers to open their eyes. As followers, we must be aware of the things around us. The simple command is, Love they neighbor.
We must know that we have to open our eyes and be the simple vessel for the poor and the needy. This is a challenge for us to take good care of our fellowmen especially those who need us.
The parable from Luke 16:19-31 is a reminder that we have different roles as we live Christians. If you have enough resources, try to offer some of it to the poor. Try to save lives by comforting them and feeding them. In this sense our purpose is to create a world of love and peace and unity surrounds us.
In Luke 16:19-31 we must try to think who will you help. To care for the needy and improve the lives of the poor through our help is a great achievement. Death is inevitable for us all, and there is no escape from it. We prepare our future dwelling place now by charity and patient endurance. So, to do this we must learn how to be the instrument or the vessel. Carry out God’s love ad help the poor.
The rich man in Luke 16:19-31 is cruel to Lazarus and mistreated him. Lazarus was doing nothing about it but in heaven, the rich man get what he deserved.
Everyday, we must ask Lord God to make us do something. If you could see what you can do for the needy, then you are to enter the Kingdom of God with no barriers. This is what the gospel is telling us from the beginning. Help the poor, give your whole heart in serving the needy. – Clea | Helpline PH
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