Lazarus is blessed. Yes, the poor, hungry, homeless man covered with the sores from Luke 16 is blessed. When I compare this parable to the Beatitudes I see Lazarus as a picture of what it means to be blessed. Jesus taught, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven” (Luke 6:20-23). Lazarus received a heavenly reward; he rejoices in the kingdom of heaven.
The rich man in the parable is a man of woe: “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep” (Luke 6:24-25). The rich man enjoyed the good life here and now. But all that he amassed in this world was taken away when he died because he refused to care for the poor person right in front of his face at his door each morning. He probably stepped over him each day!
This parable helps us remember that the Church has a preferential option for the poor: “Those who are oppressed by poverty are the object of a preferential love on the part of the Church which, since her origin …has not ceased to work for their relief, defense, and liberation” (CCC 2448). We can ask ourselves, what am I regularly doing to serve the poor? Am I like the rich man who ignores their needs? What is one thing I could do to serve the poor in my community? One idea is to go to catholiccharitiesusa.org and learn more about how to donate and volunteer.
Jesus, help me to see Your face in those who are needy. Give me your compassion for my neighbor so I can serve them with love.