Loving God, you are the source of every blessing and give to us all that is needed. Grant to us glad and generous hearts by the power of your Spirit, that we, too, might worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

So... how many of you are rich? Is there anybody here today who’s rich? If you can’t quite decide, listen to this little description that comes from St. Columba’s Church in Chicago. As you listen, try to figure out how we fit into this as Canadians.

If the whole world were a village of 1,000 people, only 60 would be Americans. All others would represent the rest of the world; 303 would be white, 330 Christian. Five hundred would be unable to read or write, and 800 would be constantly hungry and sickly. The 60 Americans would have one half the total income of the village and a life expectancy almost twice as long as the others. Of the 60 Americans, members of the lowest income group among them would be better off financially than the average of the remaining villagers. Can you imagine a community where 6% of the people have almost all of the food and wealth, and four-fifths of the people are hungry? This is the world community of which we are the wealthy part. (Harry Wendt, In Heaven’s Name, Why on Earth?, p. 14)

Now, the numbers of course would be different if we were to re-write this to focus on Canadians, but I hope that you get the general idea. So... is there anybody here today who’s rich?

Most of us probably don’t think of ourselves in that way, but in comparison with the rest of the world, we are, indeed, among the wealthy. In fact, because of our status as Canadians, we have the ability to make a huge difference in the lives of people all around the world. One of the ways in which we make a difference is through Canadian Lutheran World Relief, and you probably noticed the insert that was in your bulletin today. Today we wanted to simply highlight the work that CLWR does, and to encourage you to find out more if you don’t know much about it. We also have at the back of the church today a number of brochures outlining possible projects and needs in various countries.

One of those brochures mentions that many people in India live on less than $1 per day. $1 for most people here doesn’t buy too much, but in other countries it’s just huge. I wish I could remember now where I was reading about it, but I saw an article not too long ago that mentioned micro-financing. It mentioned a woman, who I believe lives in India, who received a $40 loan. For $40, this woman was able to start a small business that made enough to feed and house her family. We in North America have the ability to make a huge difference in the lives of other people.

One of the discussions which we had in confirmation this past week was about why we as Christians would get involved in a food bank. One could have the same discussion about why we would support things like CLWR. Of course, we might do it in order to be nice or because it makes us feel good, but as Christians there’s more to it than that. As Christians, when we see somebody who is in need, we are to treat that person as if they are Jesus. When we give food to the hungry or drink to the thirsty or clothing to the naked, Jesus’ message to us is: “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Mt. 25:40).

However, even if Jesus had never said anything like this, there would still be plenty of reasons in the Scriptures to help the needy and feed the hungry. First of all, it is part of the Law of Moses. God’s people are to give food to the poor and are to open their hands in order to help the needy (Lev. 23:22; Deut. 15:7-8, 11). The same thing is emphasized over and over again by the Old Testament prophets. The prophets say that if people truly want to worship God, they will live in a God-pleasing way. They will share their bread with the hungry and welcome the homeless poor into their houses. They will do justice and will give clothing to the naked to cover themselves (Isa. 58:6-7; Ezek. 18:7). The Law and the prophets teach this, and Jesus teaches the same thing – which brings us to the rich man and Lazarus from today’s gospel.

This story is a parable – a story which Jesus takes from everyday life in order to teach his followers. In fact, certain elements of the story are taken from a well-known folk tale of the time (Jeremias, Rediscovering the Parables). In the story that Jesus’ hearers would have known, both a rich man and a poor man died, and their fortunes were reversed in the afterlife. However, by the way in which Jesus tells the story, he would have totally shocked people (as he often does in the parables). The part that would have shocked them the most would have been when Lazarus ends up next to Abraham. You see, the people would have made certain assumptions about Lazarus. He was crippled and poor and hungry and had a skin disease and was poorly clothed. The people would have assumed that God was punishing him for some great sin. Yet Lazarus, apparently, is more righteous than the rich man.

That’s the part that would have shocked people. However, the point of the story has to do with the rich man and his brothers. The rich man is condemned, not simply because he is rich, but because he ignores the needs of the poor. He ignores the needs of Lazarus, who is right there at his gate. He ignores God’s commands to him through Moses and the prophets. He enjoys his riches and takes no thought for the needs of anybody else.

The climax, of course, comes when the rich man wants a special miracle to happen in order to warn his brothers. However, they will not be given any special sign. “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them” (Lk. 16:29). The rich man knows that they’re not listening – but if somebody were to go to them from the dead – surely that would do it! However, the answer comes: “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead” (Lk. 16:31). Are there not still people who remain unconvinced?

We, too, have Moses and the prophets. We even have somebody who has risen from the dead! The same call goes out to us as has always gone out to the people of God: Use your riches wisely. Share with those who are in need. Tend to the needs of others as if you were tending to Jesus himself. Set your hopes on God, and not on earthly riches that can disappear at any time.

You may have noticed that there was a whole bunch of similar advice in the second reading today from 1 Timothy (6:6-19). We heard about godliness combined with contentment. We heard about the love of money as the root of all kinds of evil. We heard about people plunged into ruin and destruction because of their desire to be rich. And then we heard these words at the end of the reading:

As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life (1 Tim. 6:17-19).

Take hold of the life that really is life. Set your hopes on God, who cannot be destroyed, who has power over life and death, and who is the source of all things in the first place! “We brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it” (1 Tim. 6:7). So focus on the life that really is life and on the true riches that last into eternity. Amen.

Lectionary 26(C) Luke 16:19-31
September 30, 2007 1 Timothy 6:6-19
St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church
Pastor Lynne Hutchison Moore

(c) 2007 Lynne Hutchison Moore All Rights Reserved