Bridging the Chasm

This Sunday, as we gather for worship at Seneca Presbyterian Church, the challenge before us will be trying to find meaning for our own lives in the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.  It is one of the most difficult texts in all scripture, and one of the most significant parables told by Jesus. Why? The difficulty comes from the powerful and unequivocal use of Luke’s theme of the great reversal.

A rich man enjoys life on earth, but ignores Lazarus who sits in desperate need at his very gate. In death, their situations are reversed. Lazarus is welcomed into the warm embrace of Father Abraham; the rich man suffers agony in Hades. When he asks for mercy – simply the hint of water to cool his tongue – he is refused forever. Why? The Rich Man had his chance at the good life in life. Now it’s Lazarus’ turn.

Mary said it would happen when she rejoiced with Elizabeth in the coming of Jesus into the world. The mighty are cast down and the poor are lifted up. The hungry are fed and the rich go away empty. We love those images when sung in the poetry of the Magnificat, but when we see the reality lived out, it’s not so easy. Especially when we have to admit if we were called to take on roles in the parable, few of us would be qualified to play Lazarus.

            Where is the focus of the parable? It is on the rich man and the dangers of wealth? Anyone who listens to Luke with any degree of attention knows that it is. In his beatitudes, Luke has an uncanny habit of leaving off important phrases – like saying “blessed are the poor” without adding “in spirit.” Then he has the audacity to say: “Woe to you who are rich, for have received your consolation.”  (Luke 6:24)

            But isn’t the parable also about Lazarus and his need? Can we avoid the terrifying fate of the rich man by simply stopping and helping? That was a question that occupied the conversation as our faithful seekers gathered this past week. Yet inevitably the question became: how much? How much did the rich man have to give in order to successfully pass the test? Would the crumbs have been sufficient? Or does Jesus look for more? Just how much are we expected to give of our own wealth for the sake of those in need? Do we have to give until it hurts in order to be worthy of meeting Father Abraham?

            This parable is one of those texts that can only be approached with fear and trembling, for it cannot be tied up neatly with a simple “go and do likewise.” That dilemma makes our challenge all the more real. For you see, when Jesus gives Lazarus a name – something no other parable can claim – he is marking this one with a gold star. He’s highlighting it in big, bold type. He’s telling us: Pay attention. Listen well with your mind and with your heart. It’s a matter of life and death – eternal life and death – for Lazarus and for us.

            As we gather to worship God this Sunday, in the presence of the Spirit, we shall do our best to listen to Jesus. We will try to see the reality of our world, the humanity of the one in need, and the challenge of how to truly love.