THE LAZARUS AROUND ME

REFLECTION FOR 26TH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR - C

THEME: THE LAZARUS AROUND ME

R1: Amos 6: 1,4-7, 

R2:1 Timothy 6:11-16

Gospel: Luke 16:19-31_

Today, Jesus tells us another parable; “ The Rich Man and Lazarus.” The rich man was living in abundance of wealth while Lazarus, the poor man was lying helpless on his gate. The rich man wouldn’t even offer Lazarus as little as the scraps that fell from his table, instead all that Lazarus could get was that dogs came to lick his sores. Upon their death, Lazarus was carried to heaven while the rich man languished in hell. He sought the aid of Lazarus from hell but that wasn’t possible any longer because of the big separation between them.

It is surprising that unlike Jesus who is not in the character of mentioning people's names in his parables, mentions Lazarus’ name in this parable but kept the rich man’s name. By the mention of Lazarus’ name, Jesus is referring to someone around us, who is known, whose name we know, whose condition we are very much aware of. And by not mentioning the rich man’s name, Jesus is referring to anybody; you and I, fix your name there.

In this parable, Jesus is trying to raise our minds to the realities  and the conditions of those around us who are helpless. Jesus is calling our attention to be sensitive to the conditions of those around us, unlike the rich man who was not sensitive to Lazarus' condition. Just like Lazarus who was ready to eat even the scraps that would fall from the rich man’s table, the poor, the needy, and the helpless around us need not much but as small as a scrap from our abundance would be of a great value. This abundance could be our treasure (wealth) , our time (attention or concern) and talent.

It is unfortunate that instead of giving him anything, the rich man allowed dogs to lick Lazarus’ sores. Have we not acted in this manner when we refuse to be sensitive and charitable to those around us and take to making mockery of their conditions by discussing with friends and making jokes of their conditions? Have we not become so insensitive to the cries and sorrows of those around us, have we not laughed at some peoples horrible conditions?

Dear friends, the parable of the gospel reading today is an invitation to be sensitive to the needs of those around us. There are many Lazarus around us who we should not ignore. Some are those who have physical needs of food, clothing and shelter. Some are those who need attention; whose mental, emotional  and internal health conditions are giving them unrest, they need something as small as a listening ear, our time and comfort. Let us ignore them. We act like the rich man when we know their conditions and ignore them to die alone while we say, “It is not my business.” We also act like the rich man when we also know their problems and use them for discussions. 

The end part of this parable is very touchy, Lazarus died and was taken to heaven and the rich man died and was taken to hell. Lazarus was taken to heaven not because he was poor, so that we don’t see poverty as a guarantee for entrance into heaven. Rather he was taken to heaven because even in his poverty he refused to sin or steal from the rich man or curse him. Hence, let us not use poverty as an excuse for committing different kinds of atrocities.

In the same way, the rich man was taken to hell not because he was wealthy, but rather because he was too selfish and was very insensitive to the needs of Lazarus, his neighbour. So also, by our selfish attitude we are building tents for ourselves in hell fire. 

Therefore, let us turn to the lord now in loving humility while we use his gifts graciously for the good of all. And if we see ourselves as Lazarus, let our condition not be an excuse for committing any sin for the reward for however we live and whatever 

we do is waiting for us in a short time.

Homily by

Rev Fr Chukwuemeka VINCENT Livinus, SMMM.