Today’s Gospel reading is the story of Lazarus and the rich man from Luke 16.
Lazarus was a poor beggar “who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table.” When Lazarus dies, he goes to the bosom of Abraham. When the rich man dies, he is sent to eternal torment. The rich man begs Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to warn his brothers, lest they have the same fate befall them. Abraham tells him, “If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.”
Someone has risen from the dead – Jesus. And Jesus knew that even after He had risen, there would be those who still would not listen. Jesus still speaks today – in the Scriptures, and through the Church. There are so many things that are trying to block out His message. It often takes much effort to listen. In our instant gratification culture, effort is not something many people are into. But our efforts in this case can carry an eternal reward.
Father, help us to listen to the One that you raised from the dead. May we hear His voice and do your will. Amen.
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