A case of indifference

The parable of the rich man or Dives (Latin for “rich man”) and the beggar Lazarus is very wellknown. It is characterized by its simplicity and beautiful originality. In contrast to other stories, the characters are not distinguished by their moral state but simply by their social status. The parable does not speak of a “wicked” rich man or a “holy” poor man. Dives does nothing evil against anyone. He has either earned or inherited his enormous wealth. He simply lives like a rich man, a true bon vivant! Neither is Lazarus presented as a holy beggar. He does not beg but merely lies at the gate of the rich man. He seems to wait for death, and eventually he dies. But so does the rich man.

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Lazarus’ remains must have been rolled up in a mat and thrown outside the city, probably unmourned. Dives, on the other hand, must have been buried with pomp and loud lamenta-

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tions. But then there is a radical reversal of situations that ensues. Angels carry poor Lazarus to Abraham, while Dives suffers the torments of hell.