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Discussion Questions
- What is the purpose of awards shows? Why do you think there are so many
of them on television (Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes, Grammys, Tonys, etc.)?
- Do you think there is anything morally or ethically wrong with giving
huge, expensive parties? Why or why not?
- If Jesus were walking the earth today, do you think he would attend such
a party? (Refer to John
2:1-11; Mark 14:3;
John 12:2-3, 8.)
- What do think of TV Guide’s donation of trees to Africa? Why do you
think they chose Africa for their charity?
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Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, September 30, 2007.
(Text links are to
oremus Bible
Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings
for Year C at
Lectionary Readings.)
Amos 6:1a, 4-7
Psalm 146 (7)
1 Timothy 6:6-19
Luke 16:19-31
For lectionary humor and insight, check
the weekly comic
Agnus
Day.
Gospel Reflection
There is no doubt as to the theme that runs through all of today’s
scripture lessons: The rich in their luxury may forget about those in need, but
God never does. Jesus tells the Pharisees the story of how Lazarus, a poor
beggar, received his reward in the presence of Father Abraham, while the rich
man who ignored him got his just desserts as well.
Let’s start with what the story is not. It is not a caution against earning
and spending money on clothes and good food. It is not a defense of the idea
that “nice” people go to heaven and “not so nice” people don’t. It may not even
be a parable, but rather a true story. Jesus did not give the characters in any
of his parables names, as he did in this story.
The words that best describe the point of this story might be “Pay
attention!” If the rich man had paid attention to the daily sight of suffering
Lazarus, he might have responded in the way God suggests and desires—with pity,
love, and care. His heart’s response to the moving of the Spirit (not to “good
works” per se) could have saved him. If the rich man’s brothers had paid
attention to the words of Moses and the prophets, words they had undoubtedly
heard many times, they, too, might have seen the attitude of heart that God
requires.
God has nothing against fun and good times. But if our luxuries and comforts
divert our attention from caring for those in need, we may be dulling our hearts
against the Spirit’s leading. There may come a day when it is too late to turn
back.
Look up! Pay attention! Who needs you right now? What do you have that you
can be generous with? Ask God to open your mind and heart to the Spirit’s
leading, to share God’s heart of compassion. The more you listen to voice of the
Holy Spirit, the more likely you are to recognize God’s voice, Word, and calling
throughout life.
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Discussion Questions
- What else besides wealth and comfort might distract us from doing God’s
work?
- What excuses do you make to postpone or avoid helping others? Be honest.
Imagine what Jesus might say to these excuses. (Students may act this out by
creating parables about the excuses.)
- Give an example of someone you know who is always ready to help others
without expecting anything in return. What can you learn from this person’s
example? Has this person motivated you to actually do some things
differently in life? How? What?
- Among young people, having compassion on outcasts can lead to social
rejection. How can the members of your class or group support each other in
the face of possible negative responses from peers (or even adults)?
- On individual slips of paper have students write an answer to the
question posed in the Gospel Reflection: Who needs you right now? Encourage
students to place the paper somewhere prominent, such as on a notebook or
bulletin board as a constant reminder to pay attention to God’s leading.
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Activity Suggestions
- Plan a Party: Imagine that Jesus is coming to your church and you
want to give a party to welcome him. In groups or as a class, plan the
party. Brainstorm, make lists, draw diagrams and plan anything else you
would really do, all with the purpose of honoring Christ. Who would be
invited?
- Extension: Decide on a charity or project to which you could
donate time or money as a gift to Jesus for his party. Plan and carry out
the project.
- Revisit the Faith Lens study for Sunday, September 2, 2007:
Giving Up Birthdays.
www.elca.org/faithlens/fl070902
- Become familiar with the resources and ideas offered by:
Whose Birthday Is It Anyway? Ideas for a Christ-Centered Holiday.
www.simpleliving.org
- Suggested Songs: “Take My Life,” Evangelical Lutheran Worship,
#583; “Change My Heart, O God,” contemporary.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for all the great blessings you have given us,
gifts beyond the hope of most of the world. As we enjoy these gifts, open our
eyes to those in need and our hearts to your compassionate Spirit. Send us, we
pray, to the one who needs what only you, through us, can give. In the name of
our blessed Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen
Contributed by Sylvia Alloway
Granada Hills, CA
Permission
to reproduce for local use. Copyright © 2007 Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America. ELCA Youth
Ministries. 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2447. To offer your comments or responses to Faith Lens,
e-mail: rod.boriack@elca.org.
Program Resources
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