Pastor’s Corner – September 28, 2025
The Parable of Poor Lazarus and the Rich Man – Luke 16:19-31
The Epistle reading for this coming Sunday warns us that “love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” We see this to be true in our world today. Especially the current administration where politics is all about business transactions to accumulate wealth for the few at the expense of the poor, people of color, immigrants and weaker nations. Trump’s speech at the UN was an embarrassing, narcissistic rant that clearly isolated us from the rest of the world. Our economy, democracy, tourism, education, and government institutions are eroding rapidly before our eyes. These are no longer a prelude to fascism. We need to name what is already self-evident.
The gospel reading of Lazarus’ story is our reality today. Under the domination of the few oligarchs and imperial power and capitalism, “not even the dogs would lick the sore of Lazarus.” This parable speaks God’s truth and empowers us to mobilize resistance and reimagine our collective labor of love toward human flourishing and common good. In such times as these we need to be vigilant and hold fast to our faith and our baptismal covenant to reject evil and restore human dignity and rights everywhere, starting from places where human suffering is greatest, and nearest in our community.
Last Sunday a question was raised: where are the prophets and voices that speak truth to power today? There is a message of wisdom from the Elders of the Hopi Nation of Oraibi, Arizona, that speaks to our time.
We have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour. Now we must go back and tell the people this is the Hour. And there are things to be considered: where are you living? What are you doing? Are you in right relation? Where is your water? Know your garden.
It is time to speak your truth. Create your community. Be good to each other. And do not look outside yourself for the leader. This could be a good time!
There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart and they will suffer greatly.
Know the river has its destination.
The Elders say we must let go of the shore, and push off and into the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water. See who is in there with you and Celebrate. At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all, ourselves. For the moment we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.
The time of the lone wolf is over.
Gather yourselves! Banish the word ‘struggle’ from your attitude and vocabulary. All that you do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.
We are the ones we have been waiting for…”
Inner Light In a Time of Darkness by Alice Walker (p.75)
Pastor Dae