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Jesus said, âThere was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury.
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At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores.
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As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich manâs table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.
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âFinally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried,
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and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.
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âThe rich man shouted, âFather Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.â
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âBut Abraham said to him, âSon, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish.
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And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.â
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âThen the rich man said, âPlease, Father Abraham, at least send him to my fatherâs home.
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For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they donât end up in this place of torment.â
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âBut Abraham said, âMoses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.â
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âThe rich man replied, âNo, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.â
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âBut Abraham said, âIf they wonât listen to Moses and the prophets, they wonât be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.ââ