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(1st C.)
Biographical
In Luke 16:19, Jesus in a parable speaks of a poor man, named Lazarus, who lied at a rich man's gate full of sores, and desired the crumbs which fell from his table, without finding relief or pity; while the rich man enjoyed great plenty, was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. Lazarus having died, was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom; the rich man also died, and while he was in hell amidst his torments, he saw Lazarus afar off, and cried out, Father Abraham, have pity on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the end of his finger in water to refresh my tongue. But Abraham answered him, Son, thou in thy life-time receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus his evil things; now he is happy, thou art miserable. Lazarus is the patron saint of beggars, and lepers. He was canonised in the Middle Ages, and his feast day is the 21st of June.
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