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I am the Lazarus, goo-goo-ga-joob...Thursday, March 15, 2001
Luke 16:19-31 Seems to me Father Abraham is pretty sure of himself. More sure than I would be. Different people respond differently, especially to miracles. Or do they? That's what stops me in this story. What really happens inside someone who is touched by an angel, torched by a miracle? I think Abraham is saying that drama like this doesn't change me much; it doesn't change my basic self-centeredness. Nothing changes that...except action. Changing my habits changes me. When I live my life according to Jesus' golden rule (do to others what I want them to do to me), my body learns along with my mind. And I change. So when I hear about Jesus' resurrection (and believe it), that's just the beginning. God's ultimate intention (see great book with same title) is to reshape me according to the original specs, and that's accomplished day by day, choice by choice, step by step. Push back, Lord, when I resist your plans for me.. And touch my heart, my mind, my body. Remind of the unity you have made of me. Thank you. |
Luke's gospel contains 15 parables told nowhere else in the Bible. This is one of them, the story of the rich man and Lazarus. Lazarus was poor but righteous and goes to heaven when he dies. The rich man lived in luxury and didn't share his wealth and goes to hell. The rich man wants to warn his friends and family, but Father Abraham (guess he's the old version of St. Peter at the gates?) says no. For one thing it's not possible because of the "chasm" between us, and for another they wouldn't listen anyway.