6/26/2023 0 Comments But thats none of my business![]() This difficulty can be clearly seen within the family. When should we make someone elses life our business? The complexity of our society makes this balance even more difficult to achieve. It is always difficult to strike the right balance between respecting the space of another and stepping in to help. The severity of his punishment throws light on the gravity of this responsibility. But he had a weighty responsibility toward Lazarus, and he failed to fulfill it. He did not steal from Lazarus or physically assault him. After all, the rich man did not do anything wrong. It seems, in fact, inappropriately harsh. This is one of the few places in the Gospels where divine judgment is described. He did not assuage the agony of Lazarus now it is impossible for Lazarus to provide him the comfort he seeks, for a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing from one side to the other. To escape his fate, his brothers have only to follow the dictates of that covenant, one of which is care for those who are needy. This is a reference to their religious tradition, which is very clear about the social dimension of the covenant. He is told that his brothers should not need an extraordinary revelation from heaven to remind them of their covenant responsibilities they have Moses and the prophets. First, since both he and Lazarus have a connection with Abraham, they must be covenant partners. If the prosperous man is not condemned because of his wealth, why does he suffer such a horrendous fate? The mans own dialogue with Abraham answers that question. The one who was privileged finds himself in torment, while Lazarus, who was destitute, is safe in the embrace of Abraham. As is so often the case in the parables of Jesus, a dramatic reversal of fortune then takes place. This is a graphic example of the rich mans utter disregard for someone in desperate need. At the start, the rich man is enjoying an exceptionally indulgent style of life, while poor Lazarus, covered with sores, lies at his door hoping for a few scraps from his table (a scene that is replayed far too frequently in our own cities). The Gospel reading paints a picture that illustrates the same theme. They are completely unaware of or unconcerned about the plight of other Israelites, compatriots who are their partners in the covenant made with God. They are so busy luxuriating in their opulence that they are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph, a reference to the entire northern kingdom. The description of the style of living of the wealthy rivals an episode of the old television show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Once again the oracle proclaimed by Amos is scathing: Woe to the complacent in Zion! The prophet does not condemn the people for their wealth, but for their complacency in the face of the hardships that others are forced to endure. The theme of last Sundays readings, covenant responsibility of the rich for the poor, is the main focus of this Sundays texts as well. The phrase has almost become a motto for a society in which individuals are so totally absorbed in their own life projects that they fail to consider the common good. On the other hand, it can be used as an excuse for not stepping in to help when it is clear that another needs our help. It can be an acknowledgment that we must respect the right of others to self-determination and personal privacy. The phrase Its none of my business can mean more than one thing.
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