Not By Purple Garments

Because the dye to make the color purple, taken from tiny sea creatures, is so rare and thus expensive, purple became the color of wealth and power.  In the story of The Rich Man and Lazarus, Jesus notes immediately that this wealthy man was dressed in purple garments.  Lazarus, on the other hand, was covered with sores and no mention of his clothing is made at all. In the end, it is Lazarus who receives the eternal reward, while Dives, as he was called, suffered unbearable torment for not heeding the cry of the poor and by being too absorbed in himself, his comfort and his wants.  He had paid no attention to the teaching of the prophets nor the Law of Moses, and thus suffered the consequences.  We can easily chide and contemn him for his blindness, but likewise can be blind to our own callousness to the poor or indifference to the teachings of the Scriptures.  How we would kick ourselves after it's too late for not taking advantage of all the helps available, especially during Lent, for growing in our love of God and neighbor!  Let us save ourselves from such frustration and let not the purple garments or any other false enticements keep us from the path to Godliness.
Bro. Rene