COMFORTING OTHERS (09-26-10)

Luke 16:25b
…but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.
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The parable of Lazarus and the rich man is a great parable but most often, misinterpreted. Most think that this parable tells everyone that it is better to be poor than rich to enter the kingdom of God. But is this the true essence of this parable? Well, of course, NO! It wasn’t mentioned in the parable that the rich man committed obvious sins – like killing, stealing, cursing, coveting, committing adultery.

Rather, he was punished for a sin of omission. Despite his wealth, the rich man ignored the needs of a poor man. He enjoyed all his wealth and just be contented that Lazarus lay there, in his plain sight, and did nothing to alleviate his suffering.

Jesus condensed the commandments into two: Love God and love your neighbor. We are not anymore barbarians. We should not anymore be reminded that we should not steal, that we should not kill, that we should not covet someone else’s things and wife. As peaceful, loving people of God, these things are given and should be the norm.

SO WE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS MORE!

As a true living Christian, we should also look after those who have less and have the resolve to help them, rather than despise them. We may not have all the resources to help, since we ourselves may need one. But it is still our duty as Christian to always be ready to help someone in need, either by supporting him personally or endorsing him to people or organization who can help him. What is not acceptable is to just close our eyes to his suffering and just let the days go by without lifting any finger to help those in need.

Let us pray +

Father, I may have judged the poor for being lazy, for being dependent, for being a parasite, a result of being sinful! But, it is not for us to judge them, for You alone is the true Judge who will judge all of us – that is, for what we have and have NOT done!

Praise the Lord, my soul!