This is from the story of Lazarus and the rich man; you know - that joke that Jesus told that starts, "two men died and went to heaven and Father Abraham met them at the gate..." Jokes are often used to tell great truths, such as this one. The point is "the first shall be last and the last shall be first..." or maybe "we reap what we sow..." or "be careful how you treat the little guy..."
In our story today, the rich man (whose name is never mentioned) is still thinking of himself as above Lazarus, wanting Lazarus to serve him. He wants Lazarus to be merciful to him, even though he was never merciful to Lazarus. It's all part of what Jesus was talking about when he said, "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you." We are expected to treat others in the same way that we would want them to treat us if our roles were reversed.
Too many people in today's world automatically take offense at the slightest provocation, especially when we see ourselves as being above or better than the other. When dealing with other people, it would serve us well to think: "If our roles were reversed, how would I want to be treated." That might cut down on a lot of friction we see in today's world. The next time you feel irritated at someone, before you respond, picture yourself in their place - and act accordingly.
Lord, open my eyes to see the world the way you see it, not through my limited vision, but through your loving and merciful eyes. Amen.
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