His Holiness Pope Shenouda III reflected on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31), explaining that it teaches a deep lesson about human destiny after death and the danger of spiritual neglect and lack of mercy. This parable is not merely symbolic but reveals real truths about divine justice and eternal life.
Purpose of the Parable
Pope Shenouda said that Christ told this parable to rebuke the Pharisees who loved money and despised the poor. The rich man was not condemned for specific sins but because he ignored goodness and failed to show compassion to poor Lazarus who lay suffering at his gate. Thus, the parable warns against selfish indifference and lack of love.
Wealth and Poverty Before God
The Pope explained that the existence of rich and poor is a divine test: the rich are tested in mercy, and the poor in patience. Wealth is not proof of God’s favor, nor is poverty a sign of His anger. Many saints were rich, like Abraham and Joseph of Arimathea, while some poor people were sinful. What matters is the merciful heart, not material status.
The Sin of the Rich Man
The rich man did not commit major crimes, yet his sin was his lack of mercy. He saw Lazarus daily but did nothing. He lived for himself in luxury, forgetting both God and his fellow man, and thus lost eternity even without overt evil deeds.
After Death
Pope Shenouda taught that death is not the end but a transition to another world, where the righteous are comforted and the wicked judged. Lazarus was carried to Abraham’s bosom — the place of rest — while the rich man was tormented because he had refused mercy. After death, their positions were reversed: the high became low, and the lowly exalted.
The Three Requests of the Rich Man
In torment, the rich man made three requests: mercy, a drop of water from Lazarus, and that Lazarus be sent to warn his brothers. All were denied, for they came too late — after the door of repentance had closed. As Abraham told him, “Between us and you a great gulf is fixed.” There is no repentance after death.
Spiritual Lessons
The parable calls for repentance now, not later, and urges a life of compassion and charity. The rich man was punished not for doing evil, but for failing to do good. Pope Shenouda also emphasized that one of the greatest sufferings after death is memory — the soul’s awareness of all its sins and negligence, becoming its own inner torment.
Conclusion
The parable calls every believer to remember their end and to use God’s gifts to help others, not for selfish pleasure. God grants wealth and talents so we may bring joy to others and please Him. Repentance today is the path to salvation, and mercy is the passport to eternal joy.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
Meditations on the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III reflected on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31), explaining that it teaches a deep lesson about human destiny after death and the danger of spiritual neglect and lack of mercy. This parable is not merely symbolic but reveals real truths about divine justice and eternal life.
Purpose of the Parable
Pope Shenouda said that Christ told this parable to rebuke the Pharisees who loved money and despised the poor. The rich man was not condemned for specific sins but because he ignored goodness and failed to show compassion to poor Lazarus who lay suffering at his gate. Thus, the parable warns against selfish indifference and lack of love.
Wealth and Poverty Before God
The Pope explained that the existence of rich and poor is a divine test: the rich are tested in mercy, and the poor in patience. Wealth is not proof of God’s favor, nor is poverty a sign of His anger. Many saints were rich, like Abraham and Joseph of Arimathea, while some poor people were sinful. What matters is the merciful heart, not material status.
The Sin of the Rich Man
The rich man did not commit major crimes, yet his sin was his lack of mercy. He saw Lazarus daily but did nothing. He lived for himself in luxury, forgetting both God and his fellow man, and thus lost eternity even without overt evil deeds.
After Death
Pope Shenouda taught that death is not the end but a transition to another world, where the righteous are comforted and the wicked judged. Lazarus was carried to Abraham’s bosom — the place of rest — while the rich man was tormented because he had refused mercy. After death, their positions were reversed: the high became low, and the lowly exalted.
The Three Requests of the Rich Man
In torment, the rich man made three requests: mercy, a drop of water from Lazarus, and that Lazarus be sent to warn his brothers. All were denied, for they came too late — after the door of repentance had closed. As Abraham told him, “Between us and you a great gulf is fixed.” There is no repentance after death.
Spiritual Lessons
The parable calls for repentance now, not later, and urges a life of compassion and charity. The rich man was punished not for doing evil, but for failing to do good. Pope Shenouda also emphasized that one of the greatest sufferings after death is memory — the soul’s awareness of all its sins and negligence, becoming its own inner torment.
Conclusion
The parable calls every believer to remember their end and to use God’s gifts to help others, not for selfish pleasure. God grants wealth and talents so we may bring joy to others and please Him. Repentance today is the path to salvation, and mercy is the passport to eternal joy.
For better translation support, please contact the center.