Pastor's sermon is based on the Gospel lesson of Luke 16:19-31. If you ponder the Gospels you may be puzzled by the Lord’s approach to riches. At times he condemns wealth in harsh language, and yet he has friends who are pretty well off. Those friends throw dinner parties for Jesus and are invited to inherit the kingdom. Jesus counsels us to use our possessions prudently and He commands us to share what we have with the less fortunate. The Lazaruses of the world ask for a word of hospitality, for a little of our time, for compassion even more than competence, for understanding borne of love. They long for an ear to listen; for hands to touch; for a smile; or a tear. In short, they look for community in the embrace of a gracious God. It is no wonder that God calls us to be kind to someone today. Amen.
