A book a few years ago was entitled “text of terror” because certain Biblical texts are terrifying, of example, the murder of Jephthah’s daughter. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus did not make the list but I find it terrifying. According to the parable the rich man cares about his brothers but neglects the poor man lying at his door. In other words, he was remarkably like me and most of the people I know. We have people that we are attentive to (family and friends) and people we don’t notice. The parable is terrifying because in tells me (us) that not caring for the person we see who is suffering is enough to get one condemned. The parable challenges us to widen our circle of care, to truly see those right in front of us who are in need. How we respond to that need will no doubt vary from person to person but what Jesus makes clear is that we must see everyone as connected to us and worthy of our attention.
MARCH52026
By Church Staff
