Letter from John A. Rudy

See and Help the Lazaruses

As an octogenarian contemplating what may lie ahead, I have been drawn recently to the parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31).

The parable describes the rich man’s behavior toward the poor man Lazarus he encountered during his lifetime. His indifference to Lazarus’s plight consigned the rich man at death to a place of eternal torment, from which there was no escape.

As a matter of prudence, if nothing else, I feel compelled to see and respond materially and positively to the Lazaruses I encounter each day during my remaining lifetime. Others may be motivated to do likewise, based on religious injunctions, humanistic principles, altruism or simple self-interest. Whatever the reason or motive, we all are obliged to recognize our common humanity with Lazarus and seek to help him whenever and wherever we find him.

John A. Rudy
Cooperstown