Best Work of Erika Valera: Rich Man and Lazarus Gospel Reflection

GOSPEL REFLECTION : Lk 16:19-31
Erika Valera Sr.-B

In such a simple manner, this gospel takes me into great heights, for it uses simple words to explicitly expose truths that have been present in this society for centuries. It very much emphasizes the cancer that our society has been suffering, greatly talks about our socio-economic stand in the world we live in, and discusses how we truly can steer to a brighter future. Though time has passed, the situation between the affluent and the pitiable have not yet improved, but extremely worsened. And I am put into confusion to why the rich have become richer and the poor have become poorer, yet such good insights have been brought up in time. This gospel is still very much alive in our society today. Greed, corruption, and excessive wealth still swim in the pool in which we call our society. Why is this so? Why is it that even after centuries, we still do not understand the message that our Lord has been trying to tell us, yet the answer is exceedingly simple?

Lazarus also teaches us the value of hope and faith in the Lord. This story [too] reflects on the eight beatitudes, specifically, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” for Lazarus who suffered most of his corporeal life, was blessed in the end. And opposing to his character is the rich man who had such a luxurious life lived a life of agony and torment in his afterlife. I am astounded by the fact that such man can handle such pain. For maybe it is because of the greatness of the Lord and his promise that He will never leave nor forsake us.

Success is not eternal, and so is suffering.—a reminder to never lose hope. You see, [through this gospel] I believe that the act of simple generosity will go a long way. We, as Christians, are called to serve merely by serving others. Also, in this journey, many trials will come our way, yet we must not lose hope, for it is in God’s plan. It is merely a preparation that will lead us to the greatest of all luxuries—our meeting of Him. This gospel evidently reminds us that we must put our faith in God and continue to serve Him for his glory.