Lazarus and the Rich Man
Privilege, injustice, the law and the Prophets
Today we hear one of the more sobering of Jesus Christ’s stories. A rich man enjoys the life of luxury, daily ignoring the impoverished Lazarus, who starves at the rich man’s gate. When they die, Lazarus goes to heaven and the rich man goes to hell. The rich man calls out to Lazarus for relief, but is painfully reminded about how he never helped Lazarus on earth. The rich man seemingly tries to save his brothers back on earth, asking for a special warning from Lazarus. But Abraham refuses, insisting that they have already been duly warned.
There are several painful parts to this story. First, there is the abject suffering of Lazarus and the reality of poverty, injustice and suffering. Second is the way that the rich man keeps failing to recognize injustice and his own privilege – even in hell, he is self-righteous. But probably the most painful part is identifying ourselves in the rich man. As Americans, we are rich by the world’s standards. We see in the rich man the ways we have turned a blind eye to the poor. We know that like the rich man, we, too, get so wrapped up in ourselves that we can take our self-centeredness to the grave. Instead of being able to point a finger at a sinful man of wealth, we only see our own wealth.
This story is most appropriate for Lent. When else do we get sobering reality checks about our egos and privilege? But more importantly, when else do we get a chance at redemption? We hear the rich man’s story from the perspective of the other side – we are still with the wealthy brothers who have a chance to change – to live differently.
The good news is two-fold. Heaven is a place of justice. Lazarus finds sweet relief from earthly poverty. Meanwhile, we have a chance at redemption. This Lent, I invite you to consider the ways Moses and the Prophets have already taught the way. We can transform our own blessings into blessings to others; death is inevitable, but redemption is possible. Our hope is in warming our hearts to the reality of redemption and justice. Amen.
