We look this week at Carl Dixon's depiction of one of Christ's clearest messages about our responsibility for others in need--the Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. The Mississippi outsider artist adds typical touches of humor to his mixed media, carved wood panel painting of this Gospel tale of a great reversal, where a wealthly glutton who lived only for his own pleasure winds up suffering the torments of Hades, while the beggar on his doorstep, whom he has ignored, enjoys eternal bliss in the Bosom of Abraham. Seen through a huge picture window, the Rich Man (wearing a gold crown and leopard skin robe) is enjoying a sumptuous torch-lit banquet of two roast turkeys and all the trimmings with friends, seated beneath his own gold-framed portrait. The Poor Man Lazarus lies on the ground outside, surrounded by a companionable pack of dogs, vying for two half-eaten drumsticks tossed from the groaning table. One angel prepares to take Lazarus away to his eternal reward, as another divine messenger knocks at the door to let the Rich Man know the party is definitely over. (John Kohan)