Luke 16:19–31 (26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept. 25, 2016)

Gospel:

Jesus said to the Pharisees:

“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. 

When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ 

Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’”

Gospel Trivia:

This parable is found only in the gospel of Luke, consistent with his pro-poor stance and critical posture against the rich.

Note the following:

- First, this is the only parable where Jesus puts the name of a character in the parable: Lazarus.  Do we know the name of the prodigal son? Or the Good Samaritan? Or of the dishonest steward? Or of the persistent neighbor? This must mean that this parable is very important for Jesus, and for Luke the gospel writer. It also suggests that the rich man knew Lazarus personally. He did mention Lazarus’ name in his plea after his death: "Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip his finger in water so as to cool off my tongue."   But the rich man ignored him anyway. 

- Second, observe the phrase “he dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day.” Each day. Every day, wearing fine clothes and dining sumptuously. EVERY DAY. ARAW-ARAW.  We all treat ourselves to fine dining once in a while. But this rich man could afford to do so every day. 

- Third, the parable tells that “Lazarus, would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table,” which means that he did not get anything, not even the scraps. This rich man who dined sumptuously everyday did not even give table scraps to Lazarus.

Just as the rich man was condemned for not even giving table scrap to Lazarus, then conversely, had he given even scraps, then he could have been saved. 

It does not take much, it only takes scraps for us to show concern.

Reference: Nil Guillemette, SJ.  Parables for Today, pp. 265-274.