This Sunday Luke provides one of Jesus’ more powerful parables for our consideration: Lazarus and the rich man. This is a story of the consequences of sin – not so much the sin of commission but of omission.

In the parable, the rich man is not seen to do anything wrong. He lives the high life, enjoying the fruits of his wealth. So why was he consigned to Hades after his death?

The sin of the rich man is not to take notice of the poor man called Lazarus who is suffering at his doorstep. There are consequences for this sin of omission and, after his death, the rich man appeals to Abraham to send Lazarus to ease his suffering – or at least to help his brothers, so that they do not face the same terrible fate.

Abraham points out that even the visit of a dead person will not make his brothers change if they have not listened to the prophets whose consistent message is to care for the poor. (Luke is making reference to the many who have not believed the message of the risen Jesus.)

As a missionary priest, I have had the privilege of accompanying a significant number of people in their final days of life. Sometimes the person sees the need of seeking forgiveness and healing for past human wrongs. The grace of such moments can be tangible.

SVD confreres and their co-missionaries in north-east Thailand working at the Mother of Perpetual Help (MPH) Centre accompany (too) many poor people approaching their final days of living with the HIV/Aid virus.

Some months ago a migrant living in Thailand came to their door in very poor health. They cared for him, stabilised him and sent him home. Unfortunately, with no family to care for him, he became ill once more and was moved into the MPH hospice.

The critically ill man was offered the opportunity to contact his family. Prior to his death he spoke with the sister and mother he left behind many years previously.

My confreres will never know what was said in those quiet and sad telephone conversations, however I am proud of their willingness to help this man find peace prior to his death.

The story of the rich man impels us to consider once more how we treat the poor, the orphan, the stranger in our lives. Are we blind to their plight or do we listen to our God who wants us to be advocate for those who have no power?

Let’s commit ourselves once more to be the voice of God for the poor in the world.