Dives is the name of the rich man who found the tables turned when he discovered too late that life and death are as different as heaven and hell. But what exactly was Dives' sin? It was not that he was rich - indeed, being blessed with material wealth can be a sign of God's providence. It is what one does with one's riches and one's attitude when one gets to dine sumptuously daily.

Dives was totally self-absorbed; he became his own god, not even sparing a thought for others who did not share his fortune. Ignoring Lazarus at the door of his house was never an excuse for not helping. Selfishness at its worst degrades one to a level below humanity. Even the street dogs showed more compassion to Lazarus by licking his sores. To add insult to injury, when Dives was suffering in Hades, he suddenly recognised Lazarus and had the gall to request Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth to save his equally self-absorbed family from the damnation he now faced. Neither in life nor in death does Dives show humility and generosity.

Dives' story is not an exaggerated portrayal of human selfishness. Thus, Lent is a time for us to do an examen to see if aspects of Dives exist in our lives. Let us use wealth generously for others so that it may gain us a place in the bosom of Abraham in heaven.