In a small African village, two brothers were about to set out to make their fortune in a distant country. “Go with my blessing,” their father said, “but on your way put marks on the trees lest you lose your way.”
So the brothers went off. The older brother traveled through the thick forest. As he traveled on, he cut down some trees and carved marks into others.
The younger brother, however, took another route. As he journeyed on, he stopped at various houses and offered to work in return for food and shelter. He returned his hosts’ kindness with generosity and gratitude. The brother made many friends all along his travels.
The two brothers returned home and shared their adventures with their father. Happy to have his sons back, their father said, I would like to see the marks you left.”
So the father went off first with his older son had cut down or marked, eventually returning to their village.
Then the father set out with his second-born. They were received warmly by all the friends the son had made. Father and son had a wonderful time and returned home with many gifts and warm memories.
After their return, the father called together his two sons. “I have seen the work you have done. Now that I am old, I must entrust the affairs of our family to one of you.”
To the older brother, he said: “My son, your journey was marked by many fallen trees. But what good are such marks? You must learn to care for people.”
But to the second son, he said: “I have seen with great joy the marks you left on your journey. You made the most important marks: friendship, kindness, understanding, generosity. Continue to make such marks as you succeed me as head of our family.”
In the parable, Jesus does not condemn the rich man for being rich, but for failing to realize the opportunities he has for alleviating the suffering of Lazarus, at his gate.
Christ calls us to look beyond ourselves, to see the needs of others. To understand that our legacy as followers of Christ will be how we use the talents and resources we have been given by God, in service to others.
Even a simple act of kindness and friendship can be a powerful sign of God’s presence for those most in need.
Image: “Acts of Kindness for Friends” by Sweet One is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.