![]() ![]() In the absence of social welfare, community hospitals, or soup kitchens, it was a common practice for those in need, disabled, or otherwise disadvantaged, to beg outside the homes of the wealthy. In this lesson, the tale of two men is combined with some words from Paul to Timothy, and used to emphasize the importance of putting God first in our lives above all other things. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (see Luke 16:19-31), Jesus contrasts the lives of two menone rich, one desperately poor. When the rich man suggests Lazarus be sent back from the dead, Abraham does not say that he won’t go back, but that if he does go back those who will not hear the Law and the prophets will not take heed of Lazarus’s rising either. The rich man and Lazarus can be one of those stories that is confusing to interpret, much less communicate to kids. If it is a parable, it is the only parable where that happens.Ī few last points. Nothing in the text says it is a parable, and it is different from other parables in that Jesus names one of the characters-Lazarus. Note that some argue this isn’t a parable at all but a historical account. They went to hell if unrighteous (the Catechism of the Catholic Church, following the historic Christian interpretation, cites the rich man as an example of one who has died in mortal sin ) or to Abraham’s bosom if righteous (today the state of the righteous dead is even more glorious since the gates of heaven have been opened and the righteous, after purification if needed, now go to be with God (CCC 1026). If there were rich men and beggars in Jerusalem in Jesus’ day, then, when they died, they went to hell or Abraham’s bosom in Jesus’ day. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’ģ0 “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’ģ1 “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.To press the issue more sharply, point out that the second half of the parable (where the two are dead) reflects human experience as much as the first half (where the two are alive) reflects human experience. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’Ģ9 “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’Ģ7 “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. 26 And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. ![]() So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. I am in anguish in these flames.’Ģ5 “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.Ģ4 “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and he went to the place of the dead. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.Ģ2 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 19 Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. ![]()
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