Description In Luke 16, Jesus presents a stark contrast between the rich man, who lived in luxury, and Lazarus, a poor man who suffered outside his gate. The parable highlights two key truths of the Catholic faith: the reality of heaven and hell, and the sufficiency of Scripture and tradition for salvation. While heaven is affirmed as the dwelling of saints, hell is acknowledged as real but without knowledge of who is there. The story also teaches that extraordinary visions or revelations are unnecessary for salvation, since everything needed for faith and life is already provided through the Word of God and the Church.
The sobering part of the parable is that the rich man is not condemned for cruelty or explicit wickedness, but for ignoring the suffering of Lazarus at his doorstep. His selfishness continued even in the afterlife, first desiring comfort for himself and then seeking special intervention for his family. This underscores the warning that indifference to the poor and needy can separate us from God. The message is not about condemning wealth itself, but about how we use our resources, and whether we allow our abundance to blind us to the struggles of others.
The challenge for modern believers is to recognize their relative wealth and ask how they respond to those “lying at their gate” — the poor, refugees, the homeless, and vulnerable communities both locally and globally. Many Australians, by global standards, fall into the top percentage of the world’s wealthy, which brings a serious responsibility to practice generosity. Scripture reminds us that discipleship and the use of money cannot be separated: our prayer life and values must influence how we give, share, and care for others. The invitation of this parable is to live with generosity, using what we have to reflect Christ’s compassion and to grow in discipleship.
Journal and reflect on the following
What does this parable teach us about the reality of heaven and hell, and how does that shape the way we live today?
Why is it significant that the rich man is not condemned for cruelty but for ignoring Lazarus at his gate?
How does this story challenge the way we understand wealth, privilege, and responsibility in our own lives?
In what ways might we also overlook the “Lazarus” at our gate — people in need locally or globally?
How does this parable remind us that discipleship and the use of money are deeply connected?
What role do generosity and compassion play in showing that our faith is alive and active?
How can Scripture and tradition guide us in living out this call to care for the poor without needing “extraordinary signs” or visions?
Discuss
Song - Love one another
Final Prayer
Loving God, You remind us through the story of Lazarus that true discipleship is found in compassion, generosity, and care for those in need. Open our eyes to the “Lazarus” at our gate — the poor, the forgotten, and the vulnerable — and soften our hearts to respond with love. Help us to use the blessings we have been given not for ourselves alone, but as instruments of Your mercy. May our faith be alive in action, and may our lives reflect the justice and compassion of Christ, so that we may one day share in the joy of Your eternal kingdom. Amen.
