28-Sep-25 (Luke 16:19-31)

The story of the Rich Man and Lazurus is not only a warning about the fact that we can be so distracted by wealth that we forget the people around us, it is also a reminder that our faith is judged not as much by what we say, but by what we do.
Claims need evidence and, if we claim to love our neighbor, there should be come concrete actions that support that claim.
So, do we give of our time and our resources to make sure that those around us are fed, clothed, safe and feel the love of God for them in countless actions? We can't be everywhere, but our offerings go in part to do the work that we can't be physically present for, so people all over the world see evidence of God's love through the actions we take.
Let's consider that as our deacons take up the offering for today.

Prayer:

Please join me now in a spirt of prayer.
God, forgive us of those times when we have neglected to do good in our world, especially those times when people around us suffered because we were not there to help them. Help us now to commit ourselves to being there in loving actions for those in need.
Bless these offerings as well, that the work they do would be pleasing to you and bring the reality of your Realm more into being.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Risen Lord, Amen.