Lenten Meditation: Thursday, March 9, 2023
Luke 16:19-31
“There was once a rich man, who used to dress in purple and the finest linen, and feasted sumptuously every day.” --Luke 16:19
The story of Lazarus and the rich man is wonderful, as narrative–you can almost see it in your mind’s eye. The rich man in purple and fine linen, the sumptuous feasts, and Lazarus huddled in rags, lying by the gate. When Lazarus is taken to paradise and the rich man receives his just desserts, it is so satisfying that we’re almost distracted. Is Jesus saying that the flames of hell are not only real, but the kind of punishment we can expect if we don’t change our ways?
To be clear: I don’t believe in a literal, fiery hell, nor do I believe that God waits to give us clarity until we are truly beyond redemption. But I do believe that we can make some truly terrible choices. And that when we face up to them, it can be torment.
Because choices are really what this parable is all about.
The rich man always chooses himself. He chooses his comfort, his safety, his convenience. It certainly sounds like he chooses not to see Lazarus. Even when all should become clear; that the tables have turned and things have gone truly wrong, the rich man still chooses himself. He believes that he is worthy of some kind of fundamental regard, that he is worthy of mercy from Abraham. And more than that, when it seems the rich man finally notices Lazarus, he is still only thinking of himself. Lazarus is an opportunity, as opposed to a person–Lazarus ought to run along and help the rich man out, he should get the rich man some cool water, or get a message to the man’s family, to warn them before it’s too late. Even though his way of approaching the world has literally damned him to hell, the rich man remains at the center of his own regard, with people like Lazarus off to the side.
It’s no accident that a great chasm, a great divide, separates the rich man and Lazarus now. The rich man spent his life putting it there—putting distance between himself and his neighbors, putting distance between himself and Abraham and Moses and the prophets—and ultimately, distance between himself and God.
Today: All of us have things that trouble us, that we would rather not see–it’s too complicated and hard for us to fix. It might be an issue, like climate change, or a person you regularly see sleeping outside. Choose one way you can help, today.