A Great Chasm

Jesus said, "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. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house—for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' 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 listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” Luke 16:19-31 

 A Great Chasm

One lies on a cold sidewalk

covered in the grime and filth

daily life ignoring the hungry need

still looking at Divine compassion.

Another lies in silk, satin and linens

every need covered by bending servant

daily life revolving around him alone

still trusting self and wealth.

One hand holds a cup in begging

the other crystal filled with wine

one hand reaches towards the heavens

the other into others' pockets.

The ancient great chasm widens now

the poor still stand in line for food

the rich throw away and pay the spa

sending castoffs beyond their gates.

The Holy stands at gates watching

the lack of compassion and tenderness

when abundance and blessings not shared

the chasm widens and hope gets lost.

Throw open the gates and let them in

spread the blanket wide and make the feast

let the chasm close and blessing shared

and invite the reign of God today.