Word to the Wise
Thursday, March 4, 2010 - Thursday in the Second Week of Lent
[Jeremiah 17:5-10 and Luke 16:19-31]"My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours." [Luke]
Wealth and possessions and the dangers of having too much of them or being too attached to them are a major concern in the Gospel of Luke. In Jesus' day the amount of wealth was believed to be fixed and that no more could be created (contrary to the way we believe in our economic mythology). Therefore the wealthy had an obligation under the Law of Moses to care for the poor and share the wealth. It might be helpful to read the story (the Dishonest Steward) at the beginning of this chapter in Luke and contrast it with the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man (known in tradition as "Dives"). In the first one, the "Dishonest Steward" is praised not for his dishonesty but for knowing what to do with his ill-gotten gains! (Jesus is not advocating a Robin Hood ethic, although such a figure is common in folklore). In the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man, the latter is held accountable for his insensitivity to Lazarus sitting on his doorstep! The accountability is represented in the form of a "place of torment" separated from "the bosom of Abraham" by a great chasm. Furthermore the dialog between the Rich Man and Abraham points out how wealth can shape a person in such a way that they will not listen to anyone who challenges them to give it away. Neither the Law of Moses nor the resurrection of Jesus would make a difference. In our individualistic and consumer oriented society, especially in "bad" economic times like the present, the temptation is to be afraid and to hold on tight to what we have. We are told by the "high priests" of the market to have faith. In Lent, it might be helpful to take a good long look at the "stuff" and material resources at our disposal and ask ourselves a few questions. How much do we truly need? Where is Lazarus? What does Lazarus need? Does it take an earthquake in Haiti or Chile to jar us loose from our preoccupation with material well-being? Maybe the annual torment of figuring out our income taxes could serve as a context for reflecting on the role of material possessions in our lives. There is a connection between the sores of Lazarus and the "bosom of Abraham" that we may fail to see until it is too late. AMEN
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