Jesus told this parable: “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores.”
Luke 16:19-31
NOW
Calling is to my Responsibilities
Loving God,
you who know the needs
of each one of your creatures
and long deeply for our flourishing,
grace us with your generosity and kindness
toward one another.
We are responsible for our neighbors.
We are called not just as individuals,
but as members of the Body of Christ
and as members of the created world.
When one of us suffers,
we all suffer.
And Lord have mercy,
there is much suffering in our world today.
Inspire us to be beacons of your love
wherever we find ourselves—
in our homes and schools,
workplaces and community centers.
Empower us to care for one another
as your Son cares for us.
Amen.
- How does this story remind you of the thing you “wanted to be when you grew up?”
- The decision to care for others is more complicated than we realize—what are the key “drivers” for your compassion? Explain.
- What’s the difference between owning your God-given responsibility for others and over-functioning for them? Explain.