The Contrast between Riches & Poverty

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Beloved, we are presented today, with life’s contrast of poverty and riches and the consequences of improper use of riches. It is a reality that things could turn around at times. Thus, let us make use of whatever opportunities that we have to be generous.

The gospel of today presents to us a contrast between a rich man and a poor man. In the first contrast, the rich man’s life seems much more desirable, at least on the surface. He is rich, has a home to live in, dresses in fine clothing and eats sumptuously every day. By contrast, Lazarus is poor, has no home, has no food, is covered with sores and even endures the humiliation of dogs licking his wounds. Which of these persons would you prefer to be?

The rich man in the Gospel story let Lazarus down by not caring for him and was, in time, made to pay for it very dearly. As far as it lies in our power we should not let down those who look up to us for a helping hand.

The gospel does not condemn riches in itself but the use of riches as against the treatment of the poor by the rich. The lesson we must learn here is that, whatever we have today is a gift from God and we must use it to help others who are not privileged like us.

Dear friends, let us learn to appreciate God’s gift to us by using it to assist those who are not privileged like us. Again, our wealth are meant to be used in such a way that will please God and not to offend God. Let us today ask God for forgiveness for the many times we have neglected the needs of others and for becoming ignorant to them. Peace be with you.

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