HOMILY FOR THE 26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C (4)

HOMILY FOR THE 26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

THEME: What actually is the Name of that Rich Man?

BY: Fr. Justus Oruma

HOMILY FOR SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25 2022

(a) The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is very known to us as it brings to the lime light, the picture of our community today, the yarning gap between the very rich people and the very poor people and because the rich man failed to close this gap while on earth, it became not just a gap but a “chasm” in eternity as Abraham in the parable stressed; “besides, between us and you is a great chasm” (Lk. 16:26)

(b) On earth, the rich man (in the parable) was well known, well dressed, feasting day by day, had many followers and fans. Particular mention was also made that “he was buried”(Lk. 16:22) may be showing that it was, remarkable, loud and befitting; yet he was roasting and in the torment of the fire. This shows that God is not a respecter of persons but accepts whoever does His will, (Acts 10:34-35). Besides, the Holy Scripture could not even capture the name of the rich despite being popular among men. I asked myself why was the name of Lazarus particularly mention in the Scripture; “…a poor man named Lazarus” but the other was just called “the rich man” without proper name? The rich man has name and was celebrated before men, but has no name before God.

(c) As is the trend of the people in the world today, most people only work to be known, to have followers, to have fans, to be celebrity; most times doing whatever in the media to achieve this aim, but neglecting their duty of leading a holy life, of the care of one another, of the care of the poor and the needy. One may be rich and a celebrity but not celebrated in heaven, and without even a name before God. One can be a celebrity and known in the world yet confronted with these word of God; “ I do not know who you are and where you come from”. (Matt. 7:23). It suffices that God knows you and calls you by name than the whole world knows you and celebrates you and later suffer even to the point of asking for a drop of water to cool the tongue. The rich man warns us still leaving.