TODAY’S READINGS

Today’s Gospel (Lk 16:19-31) is the famous story of the Rich Man and Lazarus; Abraham’s last words are depressing:

“If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded
if someone should rise from the dead.” (v. 31)

“Minds defiantly closed to God’s revelation will remain closed no matter what signs are given them or wonders performed for them…While the rich man spoke of someone from the dead going to his brothers, Abraham in his response used the phrase rise from the dead. Luke’s readers would naturally think of Jesus’ rising from the dead. the resurrection of Jesus will not convince everyone that he is God’s Son and Messiah, Lord and savior. In the Acts of the Apostles Luke will tell how the Gospel message is accepted by some and disbelieved bu others; Abraham’s words foreshadow such disbelief.” (Bringing the Gospel of Luke to Life, 449)

How sad it is that Jesus’ Resurrection was rejected by so many at the time and far more today. The Lord endures an unimaginable suffering for all humankind but emerges victorious over sin, Satan, and death. Heaven is opened up if only we are faithful enough to take advantage.

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and the religious leaders were angry:

So from that day on they planned to kill him. (John 11:53, but read Jn 11:45-53)

Jesus raised Himself from the dead and the religious leaders were angry.

While they were still speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees^* confronted them,

disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.^a

They laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next day, since it was already evening. (Acts 4:1-3)

We declare Jesus, the God-Man raised from the dead, as we are required:

But if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead?

If there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised.^f

And if Christ has not been raised, then empty [too] is our preaching; empty, too, your faith. (1 Cor 15:12-14)

This we are to do regardless of the consequences.

The Resurrection of Lazarus, Detail from Life and Passion of Christ (1303-1305)
by Giotto de Bondone

God bless.