The first jet charter company in the world in which every passenger is a VIP (very important pup) is now off the ground. BARK Air, launched by dog toy company BARK in partnership with a jet charter service, is a luxury airline for man’s best friend that transports dogs of all sizes and their owners in comfort and style. Each flight fits 15 dogs and their humans. The domestic ticket is USD 6000. (The USA Today, 23 May 2024) On the other hand, The World Bank report states: Around 712 million people live today in extreme poverty – they subsist on less than $2.15 per day, the extreme poverty line.
Unconcerned: Like the rich man who ate sumptuous food, and did not bother about the poor Lazarus, today’s world has super-rich who care for their pets, showering luxury on them, but do not care for the millions. (Luke 16:19-31) The rich man did not oppress anyone, lead a criminal life, indulge in illicit sex, and get illegitimate riches. His sin was a lack of concern. “Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.” (Ezekiel 16:49)
Pride: Sodom was like the garden of the Lord. (Genesis 13:10) The economic prosperity made them haughty and arrogant.
Excess of food: The region was well watered everywhere. There was agricultural abundance around. So, they were self-reliant, sinfully rebellious, and invested in entertainment, and comforts.
Did not strengthen the poor: With such abundance, they could have been generous. But they were neither generous nor merciful towards the poor. Righteous people distribute generously to the poor. (Psalms 112:9)
Prosperous Ease: Sodom had luxuries and sins of civilized prosperity. Social sins are approved and even celebrated by civil society. Prosperity blinded them from seeing the realities of life from the right perspective.
Abomination: Ancient Sodom was filled with idolatry and sexual depravity. (Genesis 19) Apart from money, pets are admired, adored, appeased, and even worshipped today.
Am I righteous and generous?