A major theme in the Gospel of Luke is the importance of the care of the poor in the life of discipleship. In the parable found in today's Gospel, Jesus contrasts the life of a rich man and the poor man, Lazarus, who lives in the shadow of the rich man and his wealth. This story communicates to us that neither is it a sin to be rich, nor will being poor ensure our entry into heaven. A rich person can become richer if his wealth is generously shared, while the poor person can become poorer by being jealous and greedy. Let us live to inherit the riches of the kingdom and become rich in the lives of others by our good deeds and not our misdeeds.