If you have watched the television program, "Touched By An Angel", you know that in every episode the angel of death makes an appearance. He is a good looking man who comes in a light colored suit to bring the news to someone that their time is very short. Most everyone of course is not ready to leave earth, but the angel of death tells them he will return soon. In the meantime the "chosen" one has an opportunity to make amends for something they have done wrong or make one final contribution to the human race. Another angel, a very attractive lady with a British accent, helps them makes things right. When the angel of death returns the "chosen" one can now leave this life on a positive note.
Its a cute program, a little sappy perhaps, but usually has a happy ending. The program is a fantasy like most programs and in each episode the "chosen" one has time to turn their life around. However, this is not the case with the rich man in the gospel of Luke. It’s too late for him. He has already lived his life. He is in Hades, living a life of torment. Seeing Abraham, he calls out for mercy. What follows is a message from Abraham who says it is impossible to do anything for him. "A great chasm has been fixed."
Do you remember Evil Keneivel? He was an entertainer who thrilled crowds by leaping over rows of cars with his motorcycle. During his career he set many records. He reached the peak of his career when he attempted to cross the Grand Canyon by literally being rocketed from one side to the other. The world watched in total awe as Evil Keneivel made his daring jump. But, he failed. The Grand Canyon was much too wide and he plummeted into the canyon below in a parachute. The gap was just too great. This is what the gap was like between the rich man and Lazarus. It was impossible for him to reach to the other side. The distance is simply too great.
For the rich man it was too late. He created the gap between himself and Lazarus after life because of his choice to neglect his neighbors in his life on earth. His prosperity blinded his ability to see someone who had need. Now he finds things reversed. Lazarus was helpless, poor, sick, and unable to take care of himself. People passed by him every day, even the rich man, but no one gave him aid. Lazarus, who was neglected is now cared for and the rich man is totally helpless. He would like an angel to intervene on his behalf but that can’t happen. It may work in the fantasy of television but it doesn’t work onece we have passed to the next life.
The gap between the two men is fixed and the rich man finds himself on the wrong side, due to his own making. Being wealthy was not what condemned him. It was his selfishness and lack of concern for his neighbor. When Jesus tells this parable he describes a man who was self centered and cared nothing for those in need. His selfishness is further indicated by the rich man’s plea to help his brothers. He wants an angel to warn his family of what is to come. This however, Abraham cannot do. They are on their own. Besides, Abraham tells him, "they have Moses and the prophets to teach them all they need to know."
It may have been too late for the rich man but its not to late for us. We are still in the world. We have Moses and the prophets to teach us, and we have the gospel. It was Moses who led his people from bondage, constantly reminding them of the presence of God. It was the prophets, like Isaiah, who said, in chapter 58:6-7, "let the oppressed go free, share bread with the hungry and bring the homeless into our homes." And we have the gospel, which teaches us that love is the essence of life.
Remember, this story is being told by Jesus to his disciples. He has been giving them a series of teachings on how to be people of faith. Faith is practical. Faith is reaching out to others with unconditional love. It is living a life that searches for the lost, (Luke 15). It is a life that forgives and cancels debts, (Luke 16). It is a life that is committed to the needs of those around us, (Luke l4). It is a life that is generous, not selfish, gracious not greedy. It is the conscious decision to care rather than be indifferent. Basically he is saying that the way to close the gap is to "make friends."
Lazarus is a real person. He has a name. He may have been helpless and homeless but he was still a child of God. It is easy to be overwhelmed by those in this life who are sick or impoverished. We have made attempts to help those in need with the Welfare State and established numerous social programs. But, these have not eliminated the needs of our world. Unlike the fantasy world of television there are not enough angels to go around performing miracles and turning lives around. Therefore God has to rely on us. Rather than creating gaps we are to be building bridges. That means getting to know our neighbors, building relationships with those we meet.
It’s no accident that that the rich man had five brothers. Think about it. This means his family consisted of six sons. I believe the rich man and his brothers are symbolic of the six days of the week. Life is a daily encounter with the Lazaruses of life. Every day matters. Every day brings us new opportunities to relate to other human beings. Every day counts, it’s never too late.
I believe we all have good intentions. We say things to ourselves like, "You know, we should have our neighbors over for supper some time." Or, "Next time I get paid I’m going to give a portion to someone less fortunate." Or, "Look at that pathetic person, If they’re still here tomorrow I’m going to lend a hand." Are we any different than the rich man in the story when we procrastinate? Does the fact that we have good intentions but fail to act make us any less indifferent to the one who doesn’t see in the first place?
Tomorrow may be too late, but today is filled with endless opportunities. God wants us to be building bridges rather than create more canyons. There are many gaps that exist between us that can be closed with love and caring. There is the gap of communication for example, where we fail to share our true feelings and thoughts.
A man and a woman were having an argument at a dinner party. They got angry at one another and as the man stormed out of the house, the woman told him to go to hell. After he was gone she said to a friend, "Do you think I was wrong is telling him to go to hell?" The friend replied, "I think you are both already living there."
Gaps exist between us and others can be created with a single harsh word. On the other hand they can be eliminated with one loving comment or one single outstretched hand, or even one small gift. Our efforts to communicate, our choice to extend a helping hand can bridge the gaps that separate us. It’s not too late.
Dr. Keith Wagner, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Sidney, Ohio