It's Our Choice
It is important to step back from this story (lest it sound as though Jesus comes to condemn and not to save) and remember that this is a story within a story. Though the Rich Man does not get to return to life and warn his brothers, the One telling his story did. And in rising, he showed that he spoke the simple truth: there were, are, and will always be those in this life who will not believe, though One rose from the dead. But that, now as then, will not be an accident that “befalls” them. It will be a choice.
So don't fall for bafflegab about how we aren't responsible for our choices. Jesus has not left that door open to us, and especially not to us who have been graced with baptism and all the riches of the Faith. We are not helpless. We can respond to grace and be saved. It's our choice.
Mark Shea is Senior Content Editor for Catholic Exchange. You may visit his new website at www.mark-shea.com.
