Today, Jesus confronts us with the direct consequence of the social iniquity of the growing inequality between rich and poor. As if belonging to one of these awful scenes we are used to watching on TV, the Lazarus' story hits us, and achieves the sensationalist effect which prompts our emotions: “Dogs even used to come and lick his sores” (Lk 16:21). The difference is obvious: the rich man was dressing in purple and fine linen clothes, while the sores covering the poor man were his only dress.

But the situation is balanced when both die. And, it is now when the difference is reversed: one takes his place with Abraham; while the other, is simply inhumed. If we had never heard this story before and we would like to apply the values of our present society, we might reason that the one who reached into Heaven was the rich man and the poor one was logically buried in the sepulcher.

Abraham, the Father of the Faith, pronounces the sentence pointing out the final outcome: “'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” (Lk 16:25). God's justice changes the situation altogether. God does not allow the poor man to remain forever in anguish, hunger and misery.

This message has moved millions of rich men’s hearts and has converted large crowds through history; but, what kind of message will be needed in our over-developed, hyper-communicated, globalized world to make us realize all the social injustices which we are directly responsible for, or, if nothing else, which we tolerate as accomplices? Whoever heard Jesus' message desired to rest by Abraham's side, but how many, amongst us here, will have enough by being buried when dead, without wanting to receive the consolation of our Father in Heaven? The true wealth is getting to see God, and what we need, as St. Augustine asserted, is: “Walk with the man and you will reach God.” Let the Lazarus of everyday help us find God.