Scripture Scribbles: September 28, 2025

the Gospel

Luke 16:19-31

Jesus said to the Pharisees:
"There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen
and dined sumptuously each day.
And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps
that fell from the rich man's table.
Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.
When the poor man died,
he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.
The rich man also died and was buried,
and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,
he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off
and Lazarus at his side.
And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me.
Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,
for I am suffering torment in these flames.'
Abraham replied,
'My child, remember that you received
what was good during your lifetime
while Lazarus likewise received what was bad;
but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.
Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established
to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go
from our side to yours or from your side to ours.'
He said, 'Then I beg you, father,
send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers,
so that he may warn them,
lest they too come to this place of torment.'
But Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets.
Let them listen to them.'
He said, 'Oh no, father Abraham,
but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'
Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'"

the scribble

As I reflect on today’s Gospel, I keep thinking of last week’s Gospel as well - you can’t serve both God and Mammon (money). The rich man this week clearly served Mammon. He had the finest wardrobe, delicious food, and many fancy things. He was attached to his lifestyle and comfort. Meanwhile, Lazarus “would have gladly eaten the scraps.” 

The word that struck me is “gladly.” 

I ponder how the majority of us live quite comfortably, and still yearn for the latest gadget, better clothes, choicest foods. Is it possible that we lack gratitude and freedom from material things? 

The rich man lacked gratitude. Lazarus was grateful for the most insignificant things. If the rich man’s fate is due to a life of luxury, then most of us are doomed because, let’s face it, no matter how stressful finances get, the majority of us have access to food, shelter, and smart phones. I believe the Lord is inviting us here to be detached from our riches and to acknowledge the suffering that is real and true in our lives and the world. 

This is a lifelong process that is clear we struggle with from a young age. Where is the Hope for us to deal with this restlessness in our hearts? 

Jesus. 

He is the antidote. He is all the wealth we need. He is the one who calls us to relationship with Him and to repent from the times we get sucked into the whirlwind of this world. Our hearts find refuge, comfort, and gratitude. 

Let us gladly receive the scraps of life and give the riches back to Him.

Today’s devotion was written by Diana Giard