For every day during Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
The rich man found himself in hell because of his refusal to see the needs of the poor person outside his door. The rich man asked Abraham to send someone to warn his living brothers to take care of the poor, “lest they too come to this place of torment.” Now, remember, the Old Testament was very clear on the need to take care of those who were poor, aliens, widowed, etc. The rich man and his brothers knew the teaching of Moses and the prophets in their sacred scriptures.
What comes next is very insightful. Abraham says to the rich man, “If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.”
Jesus rose from the dead. The story of the resurrection of Jesus is at the heart of our own New Testament. How many people have been persuaded by the resurrection to take care of their neighbor in need? Have we?
Jesus did rise from the dead. We must be persuaded to be a “changed people” because of it.