Loving God, you call us to love you and the people you have made, setting aside greed and selfishness.  Make us aware of all that you have given us, and awaken in us a generous spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

            This week’s gospel is one of those passages where context is everything.  Only a few verses before Jesus tells this parable of the rich man and Lazarus, we read that “the Pharisees, who were lovers of money” were in the audience (Lk. 16:14).  Undoubtedly, there is much in this parable that was directed to the Pharisees, although there is also a question lurking in the background that is directed to everyone – including us.  The question is, “Which do you love more – God or money?”

         You might recall that other passage that says that you cannot serve God and mammon – “you cannot serve God and wealth” (Lk. 16:13).  The thing is that these same Pharisees believed that any wealth they had acquired was a sign of God’s blessing and a confirmation of their own righteousness.  Yet, as Jesus points out on various occasions, they were ignoring some of the really big commandments like practicing justice and mercy (Lk. 11:42).  Many of the commandments involved caring for the poor and the orphan and the widow.  Yet, the Pharisees seemed more concerned about tithing their herbs and washing the outside of their plates and cups.

         When Jesus tells today’s parable, he is challenging many commonly-held assumptions.  One of these has already been mentioned – that wealth was a sign of righteousness and of God’s favour.  The opposite assumption was also held – that those who were poor or sick (or both) were being punished for their sins.  Because of these assumptions, the people listening to Jesus would have been absolutely shocked to imagine Lazarus in the bosom of Abraham, while the rich man is separated from God.

         The thing is, however, that the rich man spent his whole life ignoring the obvious need that was right in front of him.  Lazarus was right there by his gate – hungry and sick – and yet the dogs got more table scraps than he did.  In fact, those same dogs showed Lazarus more mercy than the rich man ever did.

         The parable highlights the gaping chasm that exists between rich and poor – a chasm that has only gotten wider over time.  There have been numerous reports over the past year saying that those who live in poverty are far more likely to be adversely affected by Covid-19.  Just imagine living in a place like the slums of India and being told to self-isolate. There’s no way that’s going to happen!  Or, imagine living in the most densely populated parts of Toronto, perhaps working three jobs to try and make ends meet, and then you find out you’ve been exposed.  You can’t afford to stay home from work, and there are multiple family members living in a small space with you.  No wonder the virus spreads!

         On the other side of the coin are those with large houses and resources to fall back on.  Whether it is isolating at home or paying for the best medical care available, these people have far more options than those living in crowded places and barely making it from pay cheque to pay cheque.

         Still, the gaping chasm in the parable is even more extreme.  The rich man has enough that he can have a feast every single day and dress like a king, while Lazarus has nothing.  In fact, he seems to spend all of his time lying at the gate of the rich man – hungry and sick.

         Now, while some have tried to make this parable into a literal description of the afterlife, it is not.  Rather, it is a story that seeks to direct people’s attention toward what God requires of us in this life.  Caring about money more than people is simply not God’s way.  Being indifferent to those who are in need is simply not God’s way.  Looking down on those who are poor, and trying to order them around – even in the afterlife! – is not God’s way.

         It is not easy to say what we might do if there was somebody near our house or near our building every day who was obviously in need.  Unfortunately, we have seen so many scams that we never know for sure if somebody is really in need or not.  However, is that a justification for not helping anybody?

         There are many different approaches to those who ask for help.  Some will buy them a meal rather than giving them money.  Some give to trustworthy organizations in order to help.  Some take perhaps ten loonies with them whenever they go downtown and give them to the first ten people who ask.  And some simply give whatever they have at the time. Whatever we choose to do, the question lurking in the background is still the same.  Which do you love more – God or money?

         Thankfully, Jesus’ answer to that question is God – and us.  For, he gives us, not treasures of silver and gold, but his own precious blood, which gives life and salvation (1 Pet. 1:18-19).  Thanks be to God!  Amen.

Lent 4 (NL 3)                                    Luke 16:19-31

March 14, 2021

St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church

Pastor Lynne Hutchison