Digging A Little Deeper Into Heaven and Hell - Part 1

I was fascinated by the Gospel reading on September 26th (Luke 16:19-31; http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/luke/luke16.htm#v19) .  This is a story (or is a parable?) told by Jesus about the deaths of a poor man named Lazarus and an unnamed rich man. While living, the rich man walked by Lazarus each time he entered his home, for Lazarus was lying at the door for the rich man's home. Now the rich man is in hell and the poor man in heaven (exactly what sin condemned the rich man?).



What fascinates me about this heaven and hell story is this: first, from his place in hell, the rich man can see the poor man, whom is with Abraham, of which he can also see.  Secondly, the rich man from his place in hell has a conversation with Abraham. Thirdly, Abraham describes "a great chasm" that separates heaven and hell. This chasm prevents one from crossing from hell to heaven (which would be understandable in certain terms) and prevents one from crossing from heaven to hell (presumably to help relieve torment).

One must be conscious to see and self-aware to engage in a conversation.  While I always had a sense of "consciousness" during eternal life, it really means something much more real when understanding that consciousness in eternal life might mean for one to see each other in heaven and hell, and even being able talk to each other.  What really emphasizes the realism of this notion for me is that this particular story kind-of-sort-of feels like a parable, but kind-of-sort-of doesn't.  The Lazarus in this story is the same Lazarus of other raised-from-the-dead notoriety.  So, the "rich man" was probably a real contemporary of Lazarus, Jesus, and all listening to the story.  In fact, while Jesus doesn't name the rich man, most listeners may have well known who he was; certainly a jaw-dropping moment to hear Jesus describing the judgment of the rich man.

Also interesting enough is the rich man's behavior in hell. Does he ask Abraham to be brought into heaven?  No.  Does he apologize to Lazarus for ignoring him during their lifetimes?  No. Does he seek Lazarus' forgiveness?  No. The rich man remains unrepentant, even in hell!1

Finally, I find it interesting that the words "netherworld" and "the bosom of Abraham" are used for hell and heaven respectively. No mention of the "great gnashing of teach" or "unquenchable fire" however, the rich man does ask for water.  So there are many more deeper realities being conveyed by Jesus.

Part 2: What does it mean when Jesus said that there is no "marriage in heaven?"

1http://blog.adw.org/2010/03/learning-the-lessons-of-lazarus-and-the-rich-man/