Lent week two, Thursday 20 March: Today's gospel reading and reflection
Today's gospel reading, Lent week 2, Thursday 20 March
In this chapter of Luke's gospel, Jesus continues to challenge his listeners, especially his religious listeners. Jesus tells this parable, The Rich Man and Lazarus, which includes the idea of the reversal of fortunes and a strong concern for the poor. The parable is essentially about mercy and compassion. It teaches us to be like God who is merciful, and challenges us about listening to God. It concludes by hinting at Jesus' resurrection.
Lawrence W. Ladd, Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, ca. 1880, watercolor and pencil on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Bates and Isabel Lowry, 1986.70.3. https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/parable-rich-man-and-lazarus-14164
Luke 16:19-31 The Rich Man and Lazarus
‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.”
But Abraham said, “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.” He said, “Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.” Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” He said, “No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” He said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” ’
Sacred Space
You can find a prayer-aid and reflection here:
https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-03-20/
Christian Art
You can read or listen to a reflection on the gospel and a painting by French artist Eugène Burnand (1850- 1921) here:
https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-16-19-31-2025/
A contemporary artistic interpretation
https://www.christiancentury.org/article/art/rich-man-and-lazarus-james-janknegt
