Daily Inspiration

Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him 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.’ But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’”-Luke 16:19-31

I can see myself in both of these men. I once lived a sumptuous life, often looking past or stepping over those less fortunate than me. Later, I would find myself lying down, covered in sores, when Christ took me to see three distinct places.

I spent an eternity living in misery over the loss of God’s touch, brought about by my sinful life. I peered into the pit of hell, just long enough to know the hopelessness of that place. Finally, I was bathed in the light, love, power, and mercy of God. Then, God sent me back to warn my brothers and sisters. Those three places are more real to me than this life on earth. The experience pushes me to go out and tell the world: repent, change, love God with all your being, and love your neighbor as you love yourself.