In the Old Testament, it is made very clear that how well the people are living in relationship with God is measured by how well the very least in the society are being treated. Time and again, God makes plain to the people, through the prophets, that what they are expected to do is live in right relationship with one another and with God. The cyclic rise and fall in fortune of the people of Israel is a direct result of the way in which they treat the poor and lowly of the society. When all in the society are properly cared for, Israel flourishes; but when the widows and orphans and other marginalised people are neglected and even rejected, then trouble befalls Israel. Today’s first reading, from the prophet Amos, is an example of this cycle and an example of the role the prophets played in calling the people back to faithfulness with God and faithfulness with one another. Amos berates those who luxuriate in comfort whilst ignoring the plight of others. The theme continues then into the gospel passage. The rich man lives in extravagant luxury but ignores the plight of Lazarus who is starving at his door. (This is not the same Lazarus that Jesus raised from the dead.) Both men die and, as Jesus taught over and over again, the poor man Lazarus is welcomed into the kingdom of God but the rich man, who ignored his neighbour, is trapped in Hades. When the rich man asks that Lazarus be sent back to life to warn others of the fate that awaits them, Abraham reminds him that the people of Israel have had a long line of prophets calling them back to faithfulness, but their message has been ignored.
© Greg Sunter
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