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17 It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one letter of the Law to be discarded.[a]

18 Sayings about Divorce.[b]“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and anyone who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.

The Rich Man and Lazarus: A Warning

19 The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.[c]“There was a rich man who used to dress in purple garments and the finest linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.

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Footnotes

  1. Luke 16:17 The Law will not pass away, for it includes the whole revelation given to the chosen people, with its prophetic character (see Lk 24:27, 44).
  2. Luke 16:18 Divorce was allowed and regulated by Old Testament law (see Deut 24:1-4). The position of Jesus is a radical one, as numerous New Testament passages attest (see Mt 5:31-32; 19:1-12; Mk 10:1-12; 1 Cor 7:10-11).
  3. Luke 16:19 The rich man cannot avoid the message of this passage; indeed, this is for him a sufficient sign and a more persuasive one than the most amazing miracle. Abraham’s side: literally, “Abraham’s bosom”; in the language of the day this suggested the post of honor at the heavenly banquet (see Mt 8:11).