Luke 16:19-31 tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus—a striking contrast between abundance and suffering, privilege and neglect. The rich man feasts lavishly every day while Lazarus, covered in sores, lies at his gate, longing for scraps. But despite their proximity, the rich man never truly sees Lazarus. He walks past him, day after day, unmoved.
It’s a hard story, but Jesus tells it for a reason. He wants us to notice not just Lazarus but the blindness of the rich man. And so, a question arises: What prevents us from seeing and responding to the needs of others?
Perhaps, like the rich man, we get caught up in the comfort of our own lives. Maybe it’s not intentional disregard, but simply the ease of looking away. We live in a world where suffering is often at a distance—on the news, in other communities, in places we don’t frequent. Or sometimes, it’s right at our doorstep, but we’re too preoccupied to stop and truly see.
Fear might also hold us back. The needs of others can feel overwhelming. What if I can’t fix the problem? What if helping means stepping into discomfort? What if it changes me?
Then there’s the illusion that there will always be more time. The rich man only realizes the gravity of his choices when it’s too late. How often do we put off kindness, assuming we’ll get to it eventually?
But this parable is not a warning; it’s an invitation. Jesus calls us to open our eyes and our hearts, to notice and respond while we can. Who in our communities is longing to be seen? Where is God nudging us to act with compassion? What step—small or large—can we take today?
May we be people who see. And in seeing, may we love as Christ calls us to love.
Reflection Questions:
- Who in your daily life might be longing to be noticed, helped, or heard?
- What holds you back from responding?
- What is one intentional act of compassion you can offer this week?
