Death and Reincarnation Parable (Luke 16:19-31)

Comment:

This is the story of Lazarus the beggar in 'the bosom of Abraham' and the wealthy man in Hades. A parable is a story shaped for the consciousness of those to whom Jesus was speaking. Its purpose is to teach a spiritual truth in terms they would understand. In this case, the truth is that choices have consequences.  

The contrasted elements of Hades and Abraham's bosom are metaphysical representations of how our present choices can express in our lives. We're not told a lot about either character, but it's clear that the rich man's issue is not that he's rich, but that he is selfish, either blind to or unconcerned with the suffering of others. The consequences of his negative choices will be the painful consciousness represented by the torments of Hades. Similarly, Lazarus rests in Abraham's bosom—symbolic of the new consciousness Jesus describes as the kingdom of heaven—not as a reward for his earthly suffering, but as the inevitable consequence of his earthly choice to remain focused, not on his lack and need, but on his true spiritual identity, his Oneness with the Divine.  

It is by experiencing the negativity resulting from our old choices that we are encouraged to make new, loving choices going forward. And our choices can't be forced or dictated—it is always up to us to recognize the Good and choose to align ourselves with its energy.

As for the second coming, we understand it to be the metaphysical 'second coming' of the Christ—not the second coming of Jesus. The Christ comes again when we believe in the teachings of Jesus, follow his example and allow Christ awareness to be born in us.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed