Faith Daily | 9 March 2023

PRAYER of the DAY - APBA p484

Remember, O Lord,

what you have wrought in us

and not what we deserve,

and, as you have called us to your service,

make us worthy of our calling;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

GOSPEL for the Day: Luke 16: 19-31

19There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: 28For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

GOSPEL REFLECTION: Helen Menzies

This parable is only told by Luke as are many that are only his.

When I was in Bethlehem there were some very nice homes fenced and gated .

One can imagine as the owner swept out in his chariot he would not even see Lazarus there outside his gate. He probably nearly ran over him.

l love the thought that he was carried away to Abraham by the angels.

The rich man died and was buried. There is emphasis on the chasm between!

The rich man in Hell pleads for him to give him some relief, but he emphasizes if he had listened and obeyed the law and the prophets he would not be where he is now. He then pleads for him to go and warn his five brothers still on earth, but he says if they too did not obey the law and the prophets then sending someone back from the dead they will hardly listen.

We now have Jesus. Emmanuel God with us and the guidance of the Holy Spirit There are still some who hear and don't heed, Jesus said if you have cared for and done anything for anyone it is as if you have done it unto me.

FINAL PRAYER

Master speak ,thy servant hearth. Waiting for thy gracious word,

Longing for the voice that cheered.Master let it now be heard.

I am listening Lord for thee,what hast thou to say to me.

Amen.