We begin where we ended last week: “You cannot serve both God and wealth,” Jesus said.
And promptly told another story to illustrate his point. This one was about a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus, who sat outside his gates every day. Both die and Lazarus goes to heaven, where he hangs out with Abraham. The rich man, whom Jesus doesn’t give a name, ends up in the eternal flames of Hades. He asks Abraham to send Lazarus to dip his finger in water just to cool his tongue. Abraham says, in so many words, “So sorry - we can’t get to you, and you can’t get to us.”
“Okay, then,” says the man, “Please send him to my five brothers and warn them. If someone comes back from the dead, they’ll listen…” Abraham replies, “They already know from the Law how they are to treat the poor. Do you really think they’re going to pay any more attention if somebody rises from the dead…?” Dun-dun-dun-dah….
(I hope that sounds vaguely like the opening notes of Beethoven’s Fifth…)
How we feel about this parable depends mightily on where we’re sitting – at the rich man’s sumptuous table; on the ground with Lazarus, hoping for a crumb or two; at Abraham’s side in heaven; with the rich man in hell – or at home with the rich man’s five heedless brothers. Or are we even further on the sidelines, listening to Jesus, not sure where we fit, counting on his grace?
Let’s start at that food-laden table. Jesus said, "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.” Nothing wrong with getting enough to eat. His sin is overlooking the beggar outside his gate. In this week’s reading from the Hebrew bible the prophet Amos inveighs against those who take their ease on “ivory couches,” oblivious to the needs around them.
It’s going to be hard to avoid dealing with poverty this week – so let’s meet it head on.
Today, in prayer, let’s give thanks for our food – all our food. And let’s pray that food-chain back to its source. Think about your most recent meal – where did it come from? Who grew it, raised it, tended it, harvested it, sold it, packaged it, shipped it, stocked it, sold it again, prepared it, served it? Where did your morning coffee come from, and how many hands brought it to your cup this morning?
Along that chain there are plenty of people at the bottom of our economic ladder. As we give thanks for their contribution to our meals, we might also pray for more awareness of their needs and our response.
Is there someone in need whom God has brought to your attention? Pray today how you are being called to respond? It might be in direct service, it might be in a simple conversation, or networking, or… maybe simply asking the question, "What would you like me to do for you?” That’s what Jesus asked more than one person he met.
That’s a question I believe he asks us every day. What would you like him to do for you? Be honest. “Bless me, and make me a blessing,” is always a good answer…
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