Hard to Convince

At first glance it is another of Jesus' parables that knock the rich and hold up the poor. You know that whole thing about the "preferential option for the poor" that we North American Christians have so much trouble understanding? And it is definitely about that. But it is more.

It is also about the obstinate, narrow-minded way we look at things. Even given new information that should shake them to their roots, they will not be able to see it. Here's how Jesus put it:

(Luke 16:31-) He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” (Emphasis added.)

It makes me wonder how many people have gone to heaven or the other place- and tried to convince God to let them go back and let their survivors know what it is all about. "But they already know," God may reply. "They have The Word. What more do they need."

Now I'm not sure whether this is supposed to be a literal picture of heaven and hell. Jesus' parables are amazing literary constructions that aren't supposed to be word for word, item for item descriptions of a reality. They are to hit us up the side of the head, punch us metaphorically and get our attention. If you don't understand them, well, that's the way it goes. It wasn't meant for you to get it.

So, yes, I believe

1. the "preferential option" for the poor is being presented here;
2. Jesus is saying that we have to do what we are called to do while still alive. We don't get a chance to come back and have a replay; and
3. Luke is telling us by placing this story here in the Gospel that Jesus has the information. He's been there and back. Let's listen to Him.

I know. We are hard-headed. Jesus knows that. God knows that. They perhaps know it far better than we do. But the information is there. The Word has become flesh and continues to live among us. Yes, we have to do some interpretation. In that we often err on the side of our own comfort and caution. Sometimes I believe that if The Word gives me comfort when I am not afflicted, then I have missed the point.

But the point is still there. If I allow myself to live in the Word and the Word to live in me, I will almost certainly be at least heading in the right direction.