In today’s gospel from Luke 16:19–31, Jesus tells a story about a very rich man and a poor name named Lazarus. The rich man ends up in hell, and discovers too late that there is no relief for him … not even for his brothers whom he left behind and were living similar lifestyles as him.
This story is one of Jesus’ sharpest wake-up stories. It is strikingly vivid, sobering, and directly challenges not just man’s cruelty, but also his complacency.
The rich man wasn’t condemned for theft, murder, or blasphemy. His sin was ignoring God and the suffering of Lazarus right at his doorstep. He lived as though life would always go on as it was.
Most of us aren’t terrible people, are we? If you’re listening to this video, you’re probably not like that rich man in that story. This man was blind to the needs of others, selfish, and hard-hearted. You’re most likely a decent, church going believer.
But here’s the real challenge for you to think about. Jesus’ story, obviously points to the danger of being cruel; but — and please listen to this: there is also real and serious danger in living comfortably, maybe even “religiously”, but without urgency about God’s calling.
Let me explain. You see the rich man only realized TOO LATE that eternity is real. He didn’t mock God. He didn’t deny His existence. He simply lived as though there was no need to repent, no need to take God’s Word seriously right now. “Wait lang, mag enjoy muna ako.”
Wait lang. What about you, my friend? I am sure you know about God. Most likely you would go to Mass and fulfill your obligations. You probably pray for your needs, or other people’s needs, and are also probably thankful to the Lord on special moments and occasions.
And maybe nobody ever told you this, or spelled it out to you specifically what it means when Jesus calls us and says, “Come, follow me.” So, hear me out please. Only those who take their following of Jesus seriously and intentionally and consistently will inherit the kingdom. I repeat: Only those who take their following of Jesus seriously and intentionally and consistently will inherit the kingdom. One of the most sobering statements of Jesus about this is found in Matthew 6:21-23:
21 “NOT EVERYONE who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,
but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name
and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’
23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Just like the rich man in the story today. Too late.
Now, my friend, I’d be scared if I were you. Honestly. you wouldn’t want to cruise along your faith and to learn – to late – that you are not welcome in heaven, do you?
The question is, when will you begin? Jesus says, “Come, follow me.” Will you say, “Wait lang”? I guess you could. But Jesus’ parable warns us: tomorrow is never guaranteed. Please, don’t be a fool. The rich man wanted a second chance. But it was too late for him. This story today clearly says, there are no second chances after death.
Friend, think about this seriously please. Now, if you want to take your faith seriously, or if you want to know what else you need to do to take your faith seriously and follow Jesus, why not message your friend who sent you this video, and ask your friend to help you understand what it means to follow Jesus seriously and intentionally.
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