The parable of Dives and Lazarus presents the extremes of great poverty and wonderful wealth in sharp contrast. In these past few months, we have seen the effects of global warming, as temperatures in the UK peaked at over 40c for the first time since records began. We saw how the infrastructure could not cope: rail journeys were cancelled, airport runways melted, some schools having to close early, and people taking family trips to the local Tesco to cool down. We had never seen anything like it before. Amazingly, if you were able to work in the luxury of air conditioning, you could gaze on the world outside your window, unable to comprehend the working conditions of those separated by inches of glass. In the cool world of the office, we were millions of miles away from the heat and pressure of record-breaking temperatures—we could have been on different planets.

Dives and Lazarus lived on different planets: Dives had everything his rich society could offer. He was healthy, wealthy and, on the face of it, very happy. Lazarus lived on the streets outside the grand palace—in material terms, he had nothing. Looking from his grand windows, did Dives really notice the needs of Lazarus who lived under his nose? As an entitled and powerful man, I suspect not! Under that gaze, poor Lazarus caught an all too brief insight into the life of the rich and famous, Dives. Nothing was shared, nothing was given: Lazarus could not enjoy the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table—his only comfort were the mongrel dogs who licked his sores.

In the parable, both men die with Dives being sent to the horror of hell—he was found guilty of a lack of compassion, not because he was rich. Meanwhile it is poor Lazarus who goes to the glory of heaven. Once again, their worlds are separated. Dives finds out that his entitlement and power has no influence in this new reality. He begs the mighty Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth and warn his five brothers to change their ways for the good. His logic is quite simple: if someone, like Lazarus, rises from the dead, then the family of Dives would be stunned into compassion. Abraham's response is clear, especially in the context of the infant Christian Church: we have had Moses and all the prophets who have shown compassion, 'they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead.'

As a Church of Resurrection and not death, we are called to make a difference where we can. Dives, given all his wealth, could have helped to make poverty history. Even though he was not expected to save world, he ignored the opportunity to save Lazarus. The beggar who needed food, clothing and medical care could have been helped by the simple act that Dives belatedly tries to initiate. Lazarus could have been ennobled in life by the simple offer of a menial job. Jesus clearly teaches, repeatedly affirms, and consistently preaches, that the needs of this generation must be met in this generation by the people alive now—we cannot promise some far off heaven for those in need now. No one is exempt. If someone is hungry, a hero must feed them. A sick person must be healed by a hero. Today is the call to step up to the plate and be that hero, in the image and likeness of Christ. You do not have to tell people you are a "good" Christian. People will call you a good Christian if you live like one. For Jesus, surprisingly, that means loving the needy enough to change their lives. Jesus approves of life-changing charity.

Author: Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB

Photo by Ryan Schroeder on Unsplash