Suffering here on Earth or after death? Choice is Yours

GOSPEL THOUGHTS*

*Ordinary Season : 26th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 16:19-31*

*First Reading : Am 6:1a, 4-7*

*SECOND READING - 1 Tm 6:11-16*

*Suffering here on Earth or after death? Choice is Yours*

*1) The role of Suffering*

It is very clear that one can't avoid sufferings in life 

The relationship between Suffering and life is like the shade and figure or they are two sides of the same coin. 

No one can separate completely sufferings from ones life 

*2) Suffering of Lazarus*

The Gospel of the day presents to us the sufferings of Lazarus

When He lived his life here on earth he suffered a lot. He didn't have sufficient things to eat, no clothes to wear and no house to stay. He was practically like a beggar 

*3) The Life of Rich Man*

He enjoyed his life to the maximum. He had big house to stay, he enjoyed delicious food every day, he had all pleasures of life and finally he enjoyed everything in life 

The Gospel says he celebrated everyday with festal mood and wearing colourful dress 

*4) Situation after death*

Both rich man and poor Lazarus died. After death their fate changes

The rich man, who hardly suffered in his earthly life had terrible suffering after his death 

The poor Lazarus who suffered everything in earthly life, had best enjoyment in heaven 

One who suffered in life went to heaven after death and one who enjoyed life on earth went to hell 

*5) Duration of the Suffering*

The duration of Lazarus suffering was very short. As long as he lived here on this earth he suffered 

The duration of rich mans suffering was terrible and for eternity, which is unending 

So one need to pay attention to the duration of suffering

*6) Sufferings in my Life*

First of all sufferings are Part of life. One can't avoid it 

Secondly the Gospel shows us two types of personalities and two out comes of the suffering

So it is upto us to decide where to suffer? Here on the earth during our life time or after our death for eternity 

*Choice is yours*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*