In the Gospel, we read about the rich man and Lazarus, a poor man. They both live different lives even in the afterlife when they pass. Roles were reversed in different ways. The rich man was tormented, while Lazarus was living a comfortable life. The rich man was seemingly in disbelief and wanted Lazarus to have a feel for what he is going through. Though Lazarus had an idea, had a not so great life and Abraham stated that to the rich man.
Money has no means, no benefit in the afterlife. You can’t take that with you. What you can take with you, is how you are and how you treated others when you were alive. No you didn’t need to be a complete Saint and pray the rosary 3 times a day or go to mass every day or every Sunday. Also, we aren’t saying that you need to start donating all your clothes and giving half your money to charities either. At the same time, we aren’t saying to just be like “YOLO” and you do you. Be a good person, be kind, be compassionate, and be grateful. You can have money and still be a good person. Don’t let that money overtake your life if you have that opportunity/luxury.
Then, the rich man wanted to warn his 5 brothers of what his life is like so that they don’t make the wrong decisions, let them see someone from the afterlife so they can believe and repent. But Abraham wanted them to hear and learn from Moses and the Prophet because if they don’t listen or believe in them, they won’t believe in someone rising from the dead.
We all see the signs and for the most part are able to make our own decision. Most of the time they will affect the people in your life. You may or may not see the signs and it’s up to you to choose to ignore them or even reflect on them. Sometimes we may feel we need to make a quick decision, but that isn’t always the case. There will be times that we need to be considerate of others and their feelings, and times that we need to think what is best for ourselves. I know that feeling. But it’s how you handle that decision and tone of voice to it. Are you doing it with the intent of knowingly wanting to hurt someone? Or have you reflected and needed what was best for you without wanting to hurt anyone in the process? It can and will happen. It’s how you handle the situation in the process.
We are all capable of good and bad things. Money and materialistic things can be blessings. It’s not that rich people are all bad and will automatically be tormented. Don’t let those things overtake your life and blind you. No matter what you have in your life and what you have to offer, it’s how you treat yourself and others that truly matters. Stay true to yourself. Be a good person, be kind, be compassionate, and be grateful. Be you.
