Gospels explained by Jesus - Gospel messages, gospels explanation |
Luke 16:19-31
Year C -
26th Sunday in Ordinary time
Son, remember that you received good things in your lifetime.
19 There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen; and feasted sumptuously every day.
The first part of this story shows how someone is very rich and lives a life of luxury while another human being is extremely poor and has nothing to eat. But what is it that I see in the world now? I see many people who have plenty to eat, who live their lives in comfort but who do nothing for the poor. Many rich don’t see the poor personally because they live in different parts of the cities. Many rich avoid being in contact with them altogether, so they think most people live like them and even though they know about the poor, they don’t care. Charity, compassion, love, …where are you? The more I give to men, the more they continue their injustice to the poor, oh, how they feel so secure while others are starving, how they close their eyes and pretend the poor don’t exist, how they invent new ways to oppress the lower classes. But as in the story of the rich man and the poor Lazarus, the time will come when the poor will die, and the rich will die too, and they will find themselves in different dwellings. The rich will go to the poorest place and will be deprived of happiness and glory; they will suffer punishment for their injustices while the poor will go tho their heavenly mansion to enjoy eternal life. And there you will have my prophecy fulfilled that the first will be last and the last will be first. There are many who have faith in God expecting to be rewarded with glory in the life to come but ignore the very requisites for their salvation: justice, charity and love. He who is generous and gives to those in need will receive much from me, but he who practices avarice and injustice is condemning himself. The poor will always be in the world to give an opportunity to those who have more than them to be generous and to show their love. True love for your neighbour is the best proof that you love me. It is never too late to amend your lives and to begin a life full of charity.
Received by: Joseph
of Jesus and Mary
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