Desire Charity in Your Richness
Brethren, what would you prefer: to be rich only physically and miss heaven, or to be rich spiritually and attain eternal life? In the Gospel reading today we are presented with the contrast of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man enjoyed life here on earth with his riches without thinking of the other, while Lazarus suffered and even longed to eat from the leftovers of the rich man, which the rich man refused him. When they died, Lazarus attained eternal life and the rich man eternal fire. The only happiness the rich had was here on earth, the happiness which did not last. Let us endeavor to look for everlasting happiness by enriching our spiritual life.
In the first contrast, the rich man’s life seems much more desirable, at least on the surface. He is rich, has a home to live in, dresses in fine clothing and eats sumptuously every day. By contrast, Lazarus is poor, has no home, has no food, is covered with sores and even endures the humiliation of dogs licking his wounds. Which of these persons would you prefer to be?
Before you answer that question, consider the second contrast. When they both die, they experience very different eternal fates. When the poor man died, he was “carried away by angels.” And when the rich man died, he went to the netherworld, where there was ongoing torment. So again, which of these persons would you prefer to be?
One of the most seductive and deceptive realities in life is the lure of riches, luxury and the fine things in life. Though the material world is not bad in and of itself, there is great temptation that goes along with it. In fact, it is clear from this story and from the many other teachings of Jesus on this topic that the lure of riches and its effect on the soul cannot be ignored. Those who are rich in the things of this world are often tempted to live for themselves rather than living for others. When one has all the comforts this world has to offer, it’s easy to simply enjoy those comforts without concern for others. And that is clearly the unspoken contrast between these two men.
Though poor, it is clear that Lazarus is rich in the things that matter in life. This is evidenced by His eternal reward. It is clear that in his material poverty, he was rich in charity. The man who was rich in the things of this world was clearly poor in charity and, thus, upon losing his physical life, he had nothing to take with him. No eternal merit. No charity. Nothing.
Brethren, richness and wealth is not bad, in fact we need it as individuals, society and the church. The only problem comes with the attitude we get when we become rich. Most of the rich people may tend to have a selfish attitude and lack charity. In this way, we have nothing to carry us to heaven when we die, for it is how we have loved on this earth that will take us to eternal happiness (Mt: 25). If we use our riches well, for not only ourselves but for others too, we shall be the first in heaven. However, the gospel today doesn't encourage us to sit back and become poor, so that we shall attain heaven. No, if we have chances to work and become rich but we don't use them, we may not attain heaven also.
Reflect, today, upon that which you desire in life. Too often, the deceptions of material wealth and worldly possessions dominate our desires. In fact, even those who have little can easily become consumed with these unhealthy desires. Seek, instead, to desire only that which is eternal. Desire love of God and love of neighbor. Make this your only goal in life and you, too, will be carried away by angels when your life is completed.
Let us Pray.
My Lord of true riches, You chose to be poor in this world as a sign to us that true riches come not with material wealth but with love. Help me to love You, my God, with all my being and to love others as You love them. May I be wise enough to make spiritual riches my single goal in life so that these riches will be enjoyed for all eternity. Amen.
Be blessed.
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