THE CARE FOR THE POOR: A FUNDAMENTAL OPTION (HOMILY FOR THE 26TH SUNDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Homily for the 26th Sunday in the ordinary time, year C

Amos 6: 4-7; 1 Timothy 6:11-16; Luke 16:19-31

THE CARE FOR THE POOR: A FUNDAMENTAL OPTION

In the Gospel reading of today, we heard the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. It reads: "There was a rich man, who was dressed in purple and fine linen and feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and block his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades...he was being tormented" (Lk 16:19-23).

From a critical outlook into the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we can make certain deductions which have moral significant implications.

*Name: we observed that the rich man was unnamed whereas the poor man was named Lazarus. Many theologians and scholars have argued that Jesus' narration flowed from the book of life where Lazarus' name was written whereas that of the rich man's name was absent. Some, on the other hand, said that the rich man's name wasn't mentioned so that all who listen to the parable may by reflecting upon the narration, critical question their assumption of the rich man's position.  

*Burial: The rich man was buried whereas it was not mentioned that the poor man was buried. This could likely be that as a rich man he may have received a remarkable-solemn burial appraised by the people, whereas the poor Lazarus' was not noticed by anyone. However, what does a solemn or simple burial matter for the deceased? They are not even aware of the gratifications poured into them. This speaks mostly to those who enjoy celebrating the dead in a magnificent way when they are gone; paying humongous amounts to APAMS for the burial ceremony whereas they may not have spent such an amount on the deceased while they were alive. The fact is that the dead aren't aware of all these accolades.

*Believer: From the outlook of things it is quite obvious that this rich man was possibly a believer. This is because he recognised father Abraham and made an appeal to him; likewise, he had a strong belief in the resurrection from the dead. So indirectly, we can say he wasn't a gentile. 

*Garment: The rich man regularly put on fine purple linen. Expression of the incessant sumptuous feasts, parties, and merriments he was undergoing in his abode. He lacked the spirit of moderation, modesty and simplicity in his approach to life. Even in the very before of excesses, he was not charitable.

A story was told of a boss and his driver who embarked on a journey. The story has it that at a point along the journey the Boss ordered the driver to park well and get him the food from the boot of the car for he was hungry. The boss, after having had his fill instructed the driver to continue driving to their destination. It happened that some distance from a bridge, the driver was alarmed, saying "when did the government construct a second bridge here. Some days ago, he continued, it was just a single bridge. The government must be doing a great job, he exclaimed". Immediately, the boss seated behind in the car asked him to park well. Instructed him to bring from the rear of the car the remaining food. He ate and had his fill. Getting back to the driving seat and looking at the bridge he exclaimed again. Oh! It is just a bridge, I thought they were two just now.

Beloved in Christ, it is apparent that the rich man in the Gospel of today had no heart. He had no sympathy or feeling for the poor. Even when the poor Lazarus was camping at his gate, he disregarded him.  

This often is the attitude of the rich towards the poor, they are neglected, excluded, ignored, and forgotten. No one cares for their housing clothing, food, problems, their education, their sicknesses etc.

Most times we tend to admire the rich and congratulate them, but do not associate with the poor. The parable of today spells out the irony before God: The poor man (Lazarus) is secured before God whereas the rich man is in danger. This is because riches tend to blind our hearts toward God; the rich man is so content with life in the world that he forgot his future life in heaven. The rich man became self-centred so much so that he did not see the poor Lazarus at his gate. On the other hand, Lazarus, the poor man was a man of patience, hope, quietness and silence. Though neglected and forgotten, he did not complain not bore grudges. He placed his faith in God. We can rightfully say his silence spoke volumes. 

Jesus said: "Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it (Lk 9:24). The rich man saved his life in this world and lost it in the world to come. Lazarus lost his life in this world and gained it in the life to come. 

Friends in Christ, the Book of Ecclesiastes appeals to us in this regard, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity. (Eccl 1:2). Our stay here in this world is temporary, we are pilgrims on a journey to our heavenly homeland which endures in eternity. No one will grow root here on earth whether rich or poor. Hence, we must make judicious use of our time and resources for the glory of God and service to humanity.

The parable tells us that between the rich man and Lazarus after death, existed "a great chasm" (Lk 16:26). The Chasm is for none to be able to cross over from one place to another. This is a symbolic representation of the irreversibility of things after death. There is no such thing as a second chance anymore. Hence, the opportunity to make amends and reach out to those in need can only take place in this world. 

While in torment, the rich said to Abraham: "I beg you to send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment" (Lk 16, 27-28). Abraham answered back, "They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them" (Lk 16:29).

Brothers and sisters in Christ, available to us are the sacred scripture and the sacraments. If the sacred scripture and the sacraments do not move us to repentance, nothing else will. The word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths (Ps 119:105).

There is this beautiful argument proffered by the rich man that sounds interesting to our contemporary challenges and perceptions. He said to Abraham: "No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent". And Abraham responded again, " If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead" (Lk 16:30-31). Come to think of it, Lazarus the brother of Mary and Martha was raised from the dead. The question is: was everybody converted? Rather the scripture tells us: "The Chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death since it was on account of him that many were believing Jesus" (Jn 12:10-11). Friends in Christ, miracles aren't necessarily a cure for unbelief. One whose heart is hardened, no matter the miracles performed, even if one comes from the dead, he or she will still not believe. 

Beloved in Christ, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus instructs us today that whatever blessings, riches, wealth and resources available to us are meant for the good of humanity generally and not for a selected few. Even if you worked for it and it is private to you, it doesn't nullify the principles of deploying it for the good of humanity. All resources have a social function; and the principle of the universal destination of goods.

The parable teaches us that every Christian has the fundamental option of caring for the poor. Christian Charity is of primate importance in the day-to-day life of every Christian. St John Chrysostom says: "Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs. The demands of justice must be satisfied first of all; that which is already due in justice is not offered as a gift of charity. When we attend to the needs of those in want, we give them what is theirs, not ours. More than performing works of mercy, we are paying a debt of justice" (CCC 2446).

Friends in Christ, the rich man as a believer, must have read the scriptures and performed religious duties. However, that did not affect a metanoia (change and transformation) in him. His heart remained indifferent towards the poor and the afflicted. He did not feel anything when he saw Lazarus suffer at his gate. He pretended to ignore and not to know the beggar.

We pray that the homily of today will effect in us a change of heart towards the poor and the destitute. May we learn to welcome them, associate with them and share our love and resources with them. Remember, whatsoever you do the least of these brothers and sisters, you don't unto Christ Jesus (Matt 25:40). God bless us all.

Happy Sunday to you all!

Fr Remi osj