“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.” (Luke 16:19-22)  Just like last week with the unjust steward, who could blame you for wanting to take a pass on this lesson?  I’m only going to comment on these first few verses of the parable. What strikes me here is that we do not know the name of the rich man but we do know the name of the poor man.  This is a parable so we should not make too much out of the small details, but I just cannot resist so here I go.  Two points: first, it should comfort us that no matter how desperate is the situation of a person, the Lord remembers his name.  Lazarus is someone.  He still bears the name that was given him.  He will be remembered as the person that he was in this life and the next.  Second, the rich man is anonymous.  We have no idea who he is.  All that we know of him is what he has.  We might go as far as to say that he is unknown (and unknowable) because he has been consumed by his consumption.  In the end, Lazarus is carried away into a new life.  In the end, the rich man is “buried.”  In the end all that he had is left behind.  In the end, all that we have is left behind.   I do not know about you but if I am being honest, I must admit how tempting it is to settle for things which do not last at the expense of having the things which are eternal.  How about you?  Also, is there a “Lazarus” in your life that Jesus would ask you to remember?  Is there someone who he would invite you to see, even as he sees you: with love and compassion?  Have a great week!