Pastor’s Letter: September 25, 2022

Pastor’s Letter: September 25, 2022

23 Sep 2022 | Posted by: chadmin

The September 25 bulletin is now available online. 

Dear friend,

The Gospel reading this weekend describes the life of a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. Some of the beauty of Scripture involves what is and what is not said in the stories. Jesus tells this story about a rich man who goes nameless and a poor man whose identity is named. The story focuses on the afterlife blessing and curse of the rich man and Lazarus. Lazarus in his poverty relied on the Lord during life and served God as he could. The rich man focused on himself and ignored the needs of others. In the afterlife, we reap what we have sowed in this life. The culmination of the story is an understandable response from someone who finds the result of his decisions caused negative personal ramifications. The rich man wants to warn others about the consequences of his actions. Jesus tells the story with Abraham in heaven being the one who comforts Lazarus and scolds the rich man. It is a loving desire to want to communicate with his brothers about the consequences of his selfish lifestyle but Moses informs him that all the necessary resources are available. “They have Moses and the Prophets,” says Abraham. This response illustrates that Moses and the prophets provide sufficient truth to lead one toward heaven. The rich man thinks that his miraculous appearance or resuscitation would spark this conversion.  Abraham replies, “If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.” Post-Resurrection, you can read this story as Jesus referring to the miracle of His own Resurrection. Jesus knew the miracle of His Resurrection would not convert the world if people are not open to see beyond themselves and learn the truth of God. The Bible is God’s story of love who His creation. We are called in faith to learn the story and put our faith into action. The truth of Jesus sets us free and reveals all we need to know to live a life worthy of heaven.

We started the annual RCIA class last week. The class is held in the Parish Center on Tuesdays at 6:30pm. If you or you know someone who would like to be baptized, confirmed or receive Eucharist, feel most welcome to join us Tuesday nights at 6:30pm in the Banquet Room. You can email the parish office at parish@stphils.com for more information.

God bless,

Father David