Issues: Poverty and Wealth

'The Rich Man and Lazarus

This is a very serious parable for it points out two different destinations for the two characters - and it's told in a Jewish way ... The place where Abraham was is shown as a place of security and peace (heaven) and the destination of the rich man, one of suffering, 'the place of the dead' (hell) . The responsibility of the rich man's brothers was to listen to the teaching of God's messengers (prophets) so that their lives fit in with God's practices - faith and obedience. The key thought is lack of concern for the poor, the hungry and ill.

In the New Testament lepers were looked on with fear and loathing and were forced to shout, 'Unclean, unclean!' yet Jesus touched and healed them. He told this story to highlight God's love and care for those in need …

THINK: What disease do we fear today that is very like leprosy because of its symptoms, results and the fear that it creates?

Not long ago, in central Nigeria, every Friday, a leper came to our door on a donkey. The man had no feet and stumps where fingers had been and his face was badly afflicted by the leprosy. He came to ask for help - vegetables, meat, rice - to take to his friend to cook for him. Some people gave him money, others fuel to cook on, so the community helped to keep him alive and feel wanted. He was also treated by the Christian Leprosy Hospital with drugs which stopped the spread of the leprosy.

In this country we can help those with AIDS and HIV by supporting charities and perhaps becoming carers - voluntary or full time trained. Compassion (deep, practical, self-giving love) is the word for this.

Tertullian, one of the great Christian writers, was converted in the second century after watching those who lived out their faith. 'Look how these Christians love each other,' he wrote with amazement.