LAZARUS AND THE RICH MAN: HOW RICH IS TOO RICH?

Often, the story of Lazarus and the rich man becomes an opportunity for preachers to make people feel guilty for having money or possessions. The contrast between Lazarus’ poverty and the rich man’s wealth and comfort is a tempting feature of the story upon which to concentrate. Yet, Lazarus ends up in paradise with Abraham. Abraham is one of the richest men in the Bible, a billionaire by the standards of the day. If the sin was being rich, it seems that Abraham, too, would be in torment.

Personally, I think the sin we’re dealing with in this parable is the sin of indifference. Think of it: the rich man knew Lazarus. He knew Lazarus was there at the very door of his (the rich man’s) house slowly starving to death. He probably saw him every day. Yet, he did nothing for him. He never even sent out scraps for the poor beggar to eat. Money is morally neutral. Its moral meaning is what we who possess it impose upon it. The generous render wealth a moral good. The stingy render it an occasion of sin.

ECUMENICAL SERVICE MONDAY EVENING AT 7PM!!!

Join us for a Lutheran/Catholic prayer service for peace in Ukraine on Monday, September 26 at 7pm in our church. Rev. Joe Summerville from University Lutheran Church will join us. A collection will be taken up for Ukrainian refugees; the money will be divided evenly between Lutheran World Relief and Catholic Relief Services.