Miguel Mercado’s Best Work: Gospel Reflection

Miguel Mercado’s Best Work: Gospel Reflection

Last Sunday, we experienced a gospel that shares the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Lazarus, in this story, is portrayed as a helpless beggar living of scraps, while the Rich Man, unknown or ignorant of the state Lazarus is in, spends his life in luxury. But as both of them perish and their life has ended, we find that Lazarus is being comforted whilst the Rich Man was being tormented. Even after death, the Rich Man could not relieve himself of his selfishness and asks Abraham to make Lazarus serve him. But his requests are denied and the Rich Man is tormented forever in Hell.

This story can branch out from one of the fundamental rules of man, The Golden Rule. The Hindus call it Karma, or the act of receiving Judgment from a previous action. In this case, Lazarus was being humbled throughout his life and learns that life is built through hardships and charity, and so he gets rewarded for his thoughts in heaven. This goes the same for the Rich Man as he is tormented in hell for being ignorant of the people suffering around him, but even as he is tormented, he shows an act of arrogance and asks for redemption which he does not deserve rightfully.

I believe that we may be able to live at the peak of our lives if we live humbly for others as this is a more fulfilling life. I believe in the concept of Yin and Yang where everything is in balance with nature. And if we are to fulfill the Yin God has given the world, we must provide a substantial Yang that will put balance in a chaotic world. Yin for me is the world God has given us, and the Yang is what I provide for the world, and to others, to ensure that the world we live in is in perfect harmony with each other.