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.
