Poor Man was carried by Angels but Rich man was buried. Why the Difference?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Second Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 16:19-31*

*First Reading : Jer 17:5-10*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6*

*Poor Man was carried by Angels but Rich man was buried. Why the Difference?*

*1)Lazarus had no comfort in life, but received it in death*

Lazarus suffered greatly on earth, longing for scraps from the rich man’s table.

He was neglected, but after death, God honored him.

The angels carried him, symbolizing divine care and dignity in contrast to his earthly suffering.

*2) The rich man had comfort in life, but judgment in death*

The rich man enjoyed wealth and luxury without concern for Lazarus. 

His burial is mentioned, but no divine escort is given.

His wealth could secure an earthly funeral, but not a place in God’s kingdom.

*3) The Presence of God vs. The Absence of God*

Lazarus is taken to Abraham’s bosom, a place of rest and communion with God. 

The rich man, however, is separated from God in torment. 

This reversal reflects Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6:20,24:

Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.

*4) Divine Escort to Poor Lazarus at His Death*

*A) A Contrast Between Earthly and Heavenly Destinies*

Lazarus was neglected on earth—no one cared for him, not even in death. 

The rich man, by contrast, had wealth and likely a grand burial. 

But in eternity, their destinies were reversed. While Lazarus had no earthly escort in life or death, God Himself sent angels to carry him to paradise. 

This fulfills Psalm 116:15:

*Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints*

*B) A Sign of Divine Honor and Comfort*

Angels are often depicted in Scripture as ministering spirits sent to serve God’s people (Hebrews 1:14).

Their presence at Lazarus’s death shows that, though the world ignored him, heaven honored him.

This divine escort signifies comfort, as seen in Matthew 5:4:

*Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.*

*C) Fulfillment of God’s Promise to the Righteous*

The angelic escort affirms God's faithfulness to those who suffer for righteousness. 

Psalm 34:7 says:

*The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.*

Though Lazarus was despised on earth, he was not forgotten by God. 

His suffering was temporary, but his reward was eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17).

*5) Spiritual Reflections*

*A) Divine Justice and Reversal*

Jesus often teaches about how God exalts the humble and humbles the exalted (Luke 14:11). 

The angels carrying Lazarus signify the fulfillment of this principle.

*B) True Riches Are Spiritual*

The rich man stored up earthly treasures but had nothing in the next life (Matthew 6:19-21). 

Lazarus, though poor, found his ultimate wealth in God.

*C) The Role of Mercy and Compassion*

The rich man’s failure was not his wealth but his lack of compassion for Lazarus.

This aligns with James 2:13, which says, *For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy.*

*Think about it*

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

*Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*