Luke 16:19–31
Jesus said to the Pharisees, "There was a rich man who
was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And
at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to
satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs
would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the
angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades,
where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with
Lazarus by his side. He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send
Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in
agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your
lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things;
but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between
you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass
from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said,
'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house -- for I have five
brothers -- that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this
place of torment.' Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they
should listen to them.' He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to
them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they do not listen
to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises
from the dead.'"
Reflection
Am I always alert to the needs of others under my nose?
Do I open my eyes to what is around me and to open my ears
to the simple command of the Gospel: love my neighbour?