Scripture: Luke 16:20-25
At his gate lay a certain poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. Lazarus longed to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Instead, dogs would come and lick his sores. “The poor man died and was carried by angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. While being tormented in the place of the dead, he looked up and saw Abraham at a distance with Lazarus at his side. He shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I’m suffering in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received good things, whereas Lazarus received terrible things. Now Lazarus is being comforted and you are in great pain.
Thought for the Day: We love a good story where the unkind and unjust people get what they deserve. It makes us feel good. The other night, my son was in a play at the high school. It was a melodrama, and we got to boo and throw popcorn at the villain. I watched a young boy get a lot of enjoyment from throwing his popcorn at the villain over and over and over again. In Luke’s Gospel, the rich are often demonized. I’m sure Jesus had some specific people in mind when he spoke of “the rich man” in the parable, and though it is often used to paint with a broad brush, I really don’t believe that was the case with Jesus. I know some incredibly generous people who happen to be wealthy. Yes, it is easier to be generous when you are wealthy, but I don’t think Jesus was ready to toss every wealthy person away. At the same time, it appears as if Jesus is giving a warning to rich folks as he probably saw all sorts of unethical and immoral actions that were somehow justified by people’s wealth. I remember a few years back a famous individual being praised for giving $1,000,000 away, yet that individual made more than $30,000,000 that year. As a percentage, that $1,000,000 was a whole lot less than a lot folks give way who make $50,000/year. Now I don’t want to get into comparisons, but I think Jesus sees generosity and sacrifice very differently than our culture does. Just because it is a big number doesn’t necessarily make it generous in kingdom accounting.
Prayer: May I continue to be challenge by you, O Spirit of Heaven, in how I use all my resources and gifts. I’m not looking for the title of generous, but I sure don’t want to be considered stingy by you. Amen.
This Week Is Palm Sunday
