A recurring theme in Luke’s Gospel is the dangers of wealth. The rich man wasn’t in apart from God simply because he was wealthy but because of his selfish attitude towards the good things he had. He simply didn’t care about the poor — he cared only about himself. It was his selfishness, which set him apart and away. Rather amusingly, so entrenched is he in his own thinking and so wedded to his own class system that, even when he can see Lazarus enjoying the blessings of heaven, he still regards the former beggar as his errand boy, asking first that he bring a drop of water to cool his tongue and then that he go and warn his brothers of the fate that awaits them. His conceit, arrogance and lack of compassion for the poor man continue into eternity.
There is a tragedy running through the parable and the tragedy is this: after death he begins to experience a change of heart. He wants to warn his nearest and dearest so that they can avoid his fate, but it is too late. His request is denied because the Law and the Prophets have already made clear what God requires. God wants us to love him and love our fellow human beings. After death repentance and conversion is much more difficult because we haven’t take advantage of today – the day of salvation. Today is the time of repentance; today is the day to believe that Jesus is the Resurrection, the Life, the Way and the Truth.