“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ Luke 16:19-31.
I am sure you all know this parable by Jesus. The story continues that the rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus to go and warn the rich man's family to mend their ways. And this request too is denied.
So ... what have we to learn from this parable in today's modern times?
These days we have people so rich that they treat their pets better than many poor people are treated. Years ago I knew a couple who had a little dog. You know the kind ... a little bijou type dog like a small poodle or such like. They liked that dog very much. So much so that they put a plate full of best cuts of ham, or other meats, on the table and then they would lift the dog on a high chair and he would eat at table with them.
The first time this happened I was astounded. I said nothing of course; but somehow I felt bad that the dog was fed the best meat one could buy when there are so many folks going hungry.
For all I know, maybe this couple were very generous in life. Maybe they gave a lot of money to charity, or looked after the down-and-outs in the local homeless shelter. But somehow, seeing that dog eating expensive meats that I could not afford made me feel bad.
What do we learn from the Lazarus story?
How much should we give to charity? What is enough? Or not enough?
In another parable Jesus tells us of the poor widow who gave her last pennies in the collection plate. He says that her gift was worth more than that of rich people, because she gave until it hurt.
What does give until it hurts mean for us these days? Is it OK to give to charities so much that it begins to affect our family and our loved ones? Is it acceptable that our children should go without something because we have been generous towards the poor? Where do you draw the line between your family not having something at the expense of a poor man having a good meal for the first time in ages.
I once was having a meal with a priest. There were many of us round the table. I was young and perhaps foolish in what I thought or said. I asked him, "Father, is it OK for us to be having such a feast here; when there are so many people starving in the world?"
He was a wise man. He smiled and said, "There will always be starving people in the world. I know the temptation is to give all you have to the poor to the point of you going without. But if you did that, then you too will be poor and relying on others for charity. What you should do is give to the poor as much as you can afford, and thank God that you have plenty for yourself, and trust Him that He will look after the poor. You are God's instrument in life to give to those less well off than yourself."
I suppose the lesson to be learnt here is that we should not deny things for ourselves and our families. There's nothing wrong in working hard and being well-off. Indeed, Christ encourages people to work hard in the parable of the servants given talents which they increase in time.
But in our riches, we need to remember those less well-off than us; and to give them "enough" as much as we can.
What is enough? Or not enough?
This is something you will have to discuss with God when you get to meet Him.
You've certainly given us something to ponder deeply here, Victor. Yes, how much is enough?
ReplyDeleteThanks and blessings, my friend!
That's the problem we'll have to discuss with God when we meet Him, Martha. If we have a little extra, should we spend it on our children or give it to the poor?
DeleteGod bless.
My husband and I give to charities with a full heart. No questions asked. But I must be honest here...for God knows that I have thought this many times...the money given, is it distributed more among those who need it or does most of it fill the bank accounts of some "administrators" accounts?
ReplyDeleteWe can only send donations...we have no control of where it goes after the check is cashed.
Blessings Victor~
This is also a problem here in the UK, Jan. Some charities over here declare what % of each £ goes to those in need and how much goes into administration, salaries and advertising. We can also donate to direct charities related to our church, like St Vincent de Paul, or the homeless shelter, or the Foodbank. These are mostly run by volunteers so there are no salaries to pay, and the money raised is spent directly on food which goes to the homeless and the poor. We have also donated food direct to these charities by buying a few extra cans and pasta when shopping.
DeleteGod bless.
You can always donate time, volunteer at a food bank, homeless shelter or at a church. Money is not always the answer. A church I used to attend had meals on Tuesday nights for anyone who was hungry. People volunteered to donate food, cook the food and clean up afterwards. There were always between 20-30 people who would stop by and have a meal. Clothes is another item that helps people who need it. Just thoughts and some of the things we do.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely evening, my friend!
Yes, these are brilliant examples on how we can help, Bill. Some churches over here do this. My family and friends tried to do something different this last year. A Christmas dinner for the poor/old on Christmas Day, (not later on another day). Sadly, we could not find many people to volunteer to give up their Christmas to help with cooking, serving and cleaning.
DeleteGod bless you always.
That priest sounds wise, indeed. Becoming a Catholic became much easier, as I began appreciating how intensely practical our beliefs are. And that's almost another topic.
ReplyDeleteI liked that priest very much, Brian. He, (and others), were the inspiration of my character Fr Ignatius in my books. He was so kind and very generous with his time and little money that he had.
DeleteGod bless.
It's sad when people loathe those with considerable 'means' … without regard to the whole story. Your priest friend's advice was wonderful; surely something to remember.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong with being rich, Mevely. With working hard and accumulating wealth. Christ encourages that in the parable of the slaves given talents by their master. In this parable about Lazarus, Jesus is pointing out that the rich man did not even see or notice the poor man at his door. It isn't wealth he is condemning. It is the fact that wealth blinds us to those in need.
DeleteGod bless you, Mevely.
Time and talent are just as important as your money. Good questions asked and plenty to think about here, Victor.
ReplyDeleteThank you Terri.
DeleteGod bless you.
Good question and wise advice given by the priest.
ReplyDeleteThank you Happyone.
DeleteGod bless.
I should probably be more generous, I suppose much of my tax money goes to help less fortunate people. Many charities are of the give a man a fish variety, I prefer those that support hospitals and such...like I say I should help more.
ReplyDeleteThat's my problem, JoeH. How much is enough? Our savings are the difference between what we earn and what we spend. How much of our savings should go to our children as opposed to the poor?
DeleteGod bless you.
Hello, well said! Hubby and I give what we can, since we are on a limited budget. Enjoy your day, have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Eileen,
DeleteYou are correct. What we give to charity is a matter between us and God.
May He bless you both always. Happy weekend.
I think our first responsibility is to set up a prudent reserve for ourselves (or family) to be able to draw on in emergencies. After that's established we can research charities and choose ones that fit in with what our values.
ReplyDeleteAgreed Kathy.
DeleteGod bless.