The Lutheran Study Bible has a wonderful quotation from Augustine on the Gospel appointed for tomorrow (Trinity 1), Luke 16.19-31, the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus: Proud in the world, in hell a beggar! For that poor man did attain to his crumbs; but the other attained not to the drop of water.
Tagged: Augustine, The Lutheran Study Bible, Trinity 1
“Blessed be the Holy Trinity and the undivided Unity; let us give glory to Him, for He has shown mercy to us!” Thus the Divine Service began last week, on Trinity Sunday: praising God for His mercy toward us. Today’s Gospel warns of a radical disconnect—does our life, do our words and actions, reflect the mercy of God? Jesus tells a parable, a story designed to teach us a spiritual reality. God had showered Rich Man with extraordinary wealth. He lived in a mansion, he had all the finest things, but he showed no mercy to Lazarus, a poor sick beggar who had been unceremoniously dumped in the gutter at Rich Man’s gate. Now Rich Man showed no restraint; he treated every day like…
Tagged: Chrysostom, Trinity 1
Did he get depressed, lying in the dirt? As people passed him by on the road, hurrying to meetings, walking or running for exercise, heading for the store to purchase a present, carrying a bag or basket to market to pick up food for the evening meal, did he get depressed? Perhaps a few people tossed a small coin to Lazarus, but doubtless more passed by with nothing. With guilt some would look away from him; but children drew a little closer to their mother’s skirts when they saw his hideous body, covered with sores, and the more callous adults would stare with revulsion and condescension. Did this make Lazarus sad? Did he snarl with anger at the passers-by, so cold to his…
Tagged: depression, Trinity 1