There was a book a few years ago entitled “Texts of Terror.” It was a commentary on several Biblical stories which were terrifying in the way women were treated. The gospel of the Rich Man and Lazarus is my own personal text of terror. It warns me how easily we (I) can slip into complacency. The Rich Man is not portrayed as cruel or evil. He certainly cared about his brothers. ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ He is condemned nonetheless for not seeing the needs which were right at his doorstep. This text challenges me not to limit by circle of care to family and friends. There are people in my life, that I walk by every day, that deserve my care as well for they too are children of God. My prayer has to be to open my eyes to notice who lies at my gate?
MARCH92023
By Church Staff
