Katrina Yap's Best Work: Gospel Reflection

Katrina Yap's Best Work

Senior D

Gospel Reflection # 2:
Lazarus & the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31)

In this Gospel, the rich man is left suffering in Hell while Lazarus is dining with Abraham in heaven. This is a contrast to their earthly lives where the rich man lived a life of luxury while Lazarus was starving and cold. In the end, the rich man felt regret for ignoring Lazarus because he asked Abraham to warn his brothers so they will not suffer the same fate. But it is evident that even if the rich man was already in Hell, he still did not learn his lesson. He still wanted Lazarus to serve him because he had the false impression that he was still “above” Lazarus.

After reading this Sunday’s Gospel, I am reminded of the widening gap of the rich and poor prevalent in our society today. What makes this Gospel so great is the fact that a lot of us can relate to it. The rich man can symbolize the indifferent rich while Lazarus can represent the suffering poor. An example of the “rich man” can be the politicians who give empty promises to alleviate the living condition of the poor, but instead, cheat them by stealing the funds meant for them.

I believe that the rich man’s brothers are actually all of us still living today. We should take caution from the rich man’s sad end and make a change of our lives. This Gospel serves as a wake up call to all of us. We should serve our less fortunate brothers and sisters now while we are still alive and while we still have the capability of doing so. If we refuse to do so, we will suffer the same fate as the rich man did.

As a Lasallian, I can answer to the “call” of this Gospel by actively participating in the outreaches provided by our school. I think that I am very lucky to be in a school that provides such activities, so I might as well take advantage of all of it. Even though I will not be able to reach out to all the poor in the world, at least I can help others in my own little way. As Mother Theresa once said, “We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.”