Patricia Patalud Sr. D Gospel Reflection #2
Lazarus & the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31)
The gospel speaks about a rich man who lived extravagantly and a poor man named Lazarus. The rich man got sent to Hell while Lazarus was comforted in heaven.
What I found really intriguing about this gospel was the insensitivity. How come the servants of the rich man didn’t help Lazarus at all? I think this best represents our society today. Most of us become too hesitant to help the less fortunate. We get too blinded by the fact that we have to survive in this world. Yes, survival is important and we must all learn to provide for ourselves but we must always remember that there are others who need a boost in order to see that they, too, can be happy in this life and feel God’s grace through those that help them.
For me, the rich man didn’t go to hell because he was wealthy. To be wealthy is not a sin. It is not wrong to have a lot of money but allowing ourselves to be blinded by it is the problem. Hence the saying “money is the root of all evil” was born. Money is money. It is the one who uses money in the wrong way. The rich man was sent to hell because he did not use his wealth properly. He ignored Lazarus and that what makes him poor. He is poor in spirit.
I don’t believe that greed has conquered the world. The way I see it, people practice generosity and selflessness in today’s society. I see people who are, without a doubt, willing to give it their all to narrow down the widening gap between the rich and the poor. But not just in that aspect. Generosity can also fix problems between quarreling family and friends. To show concern about others usually softens ones heart and that will eventually inspire us all one by one to do the same.
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