29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Luke 16:29-31
As humans, we are always looking for another reason it isn’t our fault, another opportunity after we fail. Abraham tells the rich man that he and his brothers should have listened to the teaching of Moses and the Prophets in order to avoid the separation he is suffering. The rich man tells Abraham no, they need another lesson, that “if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent” (verse 30).
The sad truth is that the one who rose from the dead is telling us this parable, and there are still those who do not listen to His teaching. Abraham tells the rich man – and us – that we must pay attention to all the lessons we have been given. God has sent many to share His love and truth, but it is up to each of us to accept this gift for ourselves.
Don’t be like the rich man in this story, waiting until it’s too late to be repentant. We must examine our lives, how we care for one another and share the Good News if we are to avoid the fate the rich man suffers in this parable. We must show the love He first gave us to everyone every day.
Loving Lord, we are slow to hear and understand Your lessons. Help us to listen and learn, and go to do as You have taught us. Amen.