Sunday, September 28

This Sunday we continue our journey through the Gospel of Luke. In particular we hear the story of Dives and Lazarus, which follows immediately after the parable of the unjust steward which we hear this past Sunday. Whenever I hear this passage two things immediately come to my mind. The first is Ralph Vaughn Willams “Five Variants of ‘Dives and Lazarus.’” A beautiful piece which you can listen to here. And yes, I am listening to it as I write this. The second, is a bit more . . . out of the box . . . for this passage also brings to mind the phrase “it’s getting late early,” one of the great sayings from Yogi Berra; the legendary New York Yankees catcher, not to be confused with the cartoon bear of a similar name.
Now Berra originally said this as a statement about the shadows over the outfield late in the season making it difficult to see, but over time it has come to refer to situations of great urgency. When time is growing short and things need to change. So what’s this, you might be wondering, have to do with the story of Dives and Lazarus. Well, I’m glad you asked.
In this story we hear of a Dives, a rich man, who enjoys all the finer things in life; and of Lazarus, a poor man suffering at the rich man’s gate. When Lazarus dies he is carried away by angels to be with Abraham. The rich man dies, is buried, and ends up in Hades where is he tormented. From Hades, Dives calls up to Abraham asking for relief, but the gap between the two places cannot be crossed. When his request is denied and he learns there is no hope for him; he asks Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers that they might be warned and spared the fate he now endures. Again Abraham says no. He tells Dives that they have Moses and the prophets to listen to. Dives insists. Then the passage ends with Abraham saying, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises form the dead” (Luke 16:31, NRSV).
This passage is a stark reminder that our actions have consequences; that what we do in this life matters - especially when it comes to how we treat those in need. It is also a reminder that there is urgency.
This passage invites us to consider who are the poor at our door. While we might not literally find people in poverty at our doorstep, that does not mean we are without neighbors in need. How do we care for them? How do we recognize and honor their humanity? How do we see them as beloved children of God? We have heard from Moses and the prophets, we have heard from the apostles and martyrs, we have heard from Jesus himself. My friends, it’s getting late early. We must act while there is time.
Let us not be complacent thinking there will be time later. Many in the world around us are hurting and in need of help and comfort; needing someone to tell them the good news of God. Let us be those people. We cannot fix everything, but we can make a difference in this world one person at a time. Let us find Lazarus in our own time, that he might know good things as well.









