“My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.”
Growing up, I was always confused whenever the Bible alluded to the implications of wealth. Passages like these made me wonder: am I supposed to suffer or be poor to go to heaven?
I’ve learned now that isn’t necessarily the case. Instead, this parable points out how worldly pleasures can distract from God. When we focus on our own pleasures, we lose sight of God’s want for us: to share our blessings and be compassionate to the less fortunate. Are we using our blessings and resources to help those in need, or are we ignoring the plight of the poor and marginalized?
Furthermore, this parable also highlights the importance of faith in our lives. Lazarus was rewarded for his faith and perseverance in the face of poverty and suffering, while the rich man suffered in hell because of his lack of faith and compassion. It reminds us that our faith is not just a personal matter but should also impact how we live our lives and treat others.
On this topic of “faith and works,” I also must clarify that heaven is something I can earn or deserve by “suffering” or “doing good.” Frankly, I’ll never be worthy of heaven; we all aren’t. Rather, the gift of salvation is a grace given by God, and we simply must accept it, freely and with conviction. This acceptance of God’s grace is our faith.
So does this mean faith is ALL that is needed to get into heaven? Not necessarily, as specified in James 2:26, “Faith without works is dead.” Works is an outward expression of our faith. It must be clarified, however, that good works are not done for our personal salvation, satisfaction, or in expectance of a reward. Rather, our good works should be done to “glorify God” (CCC 2008). In short, faith and works.
— Anonymous