A major theme in the Gospel of Luke is the importance of the care of the poor in the life of discipleship. In the parable found in today's Gospel, Jesus contrasts the life of a rich man and the poor man, Lazarus, who lives in the shadow of the rich man and his wealth. Both die. Lazarus finds himself in heaven; the rich man in hell. The rich mar asks for assistance from Lazarus in his torment. Both Abraham reminds the rich man of the good things he had in his life and describes the current situation as a reversal of fortunes.