The rich man and Lazarus

(Thomas Sherman, "Divine Breathings!")

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire!'
But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here — and you are in agony!'" Luke 16:19-25

The wicked have their Heaven here — and their Hell hereafter.

But the righteous have their Hell here — and their Heaven hereafter.

Dives had his good things in this life — and Lazarus his evil things.

Now Lazarus is comforted — and Dives is tormented!

I will not, therefore, envy the prosperity of the wicked,

                    nor be cast down at the afflictions of the righteous;

                    seeing the one is drawn in pomp to Hell —

while the other swims in tears to Heaven!

           ~  ~  ~  ~