Gospel in Art: The Rich Man and Lazarus

The Rich man and Lazarus, by Eugène Burnand, 1899 © Musée Eugène Burnand, Moudon

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 20 March 2025
Luke 16:19-31

At that time: Jesus said to the Pharisees, 'There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.

And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.

The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.

And he called out, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame."

But Abraham said, "Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not do so, and none may cross from there to us." And he said, "Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house - for I have five brothers - so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment."

But Abraham said, "They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them." And he said, "No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent." He said to him, "If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead."

Reflection on the drawing

Our illustration today is by the Swiss-born artist Eugène Burnand, renowned for his deeply religious works, especially his paintings and drawings depicting the parables of Jesus. Among all the parables, today's Gospel reading (Luke 16:19-31) stands out as the only one where real names are mentioned: Abraham and Lazarus. Because of this, some scholars and believers wonder whether this is more than a parable, perhaps a true account. Regardless of that debate, Burnand's artwork beautifully brings this story to life.

In our drawing, we see Lazarus, the poor man, sitting in the grand hallway of a palace, embodying both physical suffering and social neglect. The dogs, described in the Gospel as those that "even came and licked his sores," gather around him. They are silent witnesses to his misery. Notably, the small bowl placed beside Lazarus is so meagre that, even when filled, it would hardly feed one person. The contrast between the richness of the palace and the destitution of Lazarus is striking.

Reflecting on the fleeting nature of our earthly lives, the Letter of James expresses it poignantly: "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14). This reminder calls us to care for one another during our brief time on earth. Worldly riches, status, and possessions will not accompany us beyond the grave; what truly endures is our personal relationship with Jesus Christ and how we have loved and served others.

It is important to note that the rich man's sin was not his wealth. Wealth, in itself, is not condemned. His failing lay in his indifference and in his blindness to Lazarus's suffering, despite seeing him at his gate every day. The sin was not about having riches but about failing to use them for good and ignoring the needs of those placed in his path. This parable challenges us in Lent to examine our own lives: Who is the "Lazarus" at our doorstep? Are we aware of those who suffer around us? Do we share what we have, or do we close our eyes, consumed by our own comfort?

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-16-19-31-2025/ (with audio)