We've been given all we need

by David Lins  |  09/25/2022  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells the story of a rich man who dies—along with a poor man called Lazarus who he knew, but never helped.

Many will naturally focus on his refusal to help someone so obviously in need. (And rightfully so.) But I’d like to jump to the end and have a conversation about his last recorded request from the netherworld

“I beg you, send Lazarus (who was in heaven) to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.”

The response is striking. “They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.”

“But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.”

“If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.”

Essentially—your brothers have been given everything they need to avoid hell. If they ignore all these things, miracles will not make a difference.

This message should get our attention.

We have been given all we need to find our way to heaven. We have sacred Scripture (not only Moses and the old, but Jesus and the New!). We have the Church. We have her powerful sacraments. We have been equipped with everything we need.

Jesus makes it clear. If all that has already been given isn’t enough, even miracles won’t make a difference (as they will be explained away or denied).

A soldier who is given armor, a sword, and a shield, but refuses to pick them up before the battle begins won’t find success in his endeavor.

We should pick up our Bibles, love the Church, and soak our lives in the sacraments. Then, we will have the eyes to see the miracles that are already happening all around us.

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