Jesus told a parable about a rich man who was in the netherworld — an allusion to what we would call "hell." The rich man was in hell not because he was rich or because he refused to help the poor man, Lazarus. The rich man went to hell because he was insensitive to Lazarus. He didn't even notice the poor man at his door, although even dogs noticed Lazarus (see Lk 16:20-21). The rich man was not only insensitive to Lazarus but also to Moses and the prophets, that is, the Bible (Lk 16:31). The rich man and his five brothers had put themselves in such a state of spiritual stupor that they would not have been fazed "even if one should rise from the dead" (Lk 16:31).

The rich man deadened his spiritual sensitivity by a worldly lifestyle. He "dressed in purple and linen and feasted splendidly every day" (Lk 16:19). He was complacent, living for comfort, enjoyment, entertainment, and pleasure (see Am 6:4-6). A worldly lifestyle doesn't necessarily put a person in hell, but it puts a person in such a state of addiction to self that he chooses hell.

It is tempting to want to live a worldly lifestyle. However, Christians, who have been baptized into a supernatural new life, sometimes live a worldly, soul-numbing lifestyle. How can this be? These Christians are not living their Baptisms. Instead of rejecting Satan, all his works, and all his empty promises, we can fall into the temptation to reject "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit" (2 Cor 13:13).

Jesus died so that we would all go to heaven. His will be done.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 15, 2019

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.