Both consoling and frightening....that is my view of Jesus' words in this magnificent parable, forcing us to consider the depth of our faith by how we have lived it. 

How do you think Christians have displayed their faith in the world?  On what kind of soil throughout the world have the words of Jesus fallen?   In many of the nations claiming a Christian majority has Jesus mandate to care for the poor thrived?   

 The U.S. which boasts of the largest numbers at Sunday church in the world, nevertheless also claims the worst healthcare for the poor among first world countries.  In these times of economic stress in the country where concern for those who have suffered with loss of jobs, savings and healthcare, tax cuts for the rich and cuts in health care, social security, and other benefits for the poor and middle class are being promoted ......by a party that believes, to a large extent, it is speaking for the religious Christian conservatists.

It just doesn't make sense to me.  Does it to you?  There appears to be significant differences for many Christians between the words and the practice. 

The largest reason for bankruptcies in the U.S. is the cost of healthcare.  You can lose everything even if privately insured if a catastrophic illness should hit your family.  And yet the compassionate new law going into effect that would prevent this calamity is being challenged by  one of the political parties.    

I have written about the lack of universal healthcare in the U.S. in the past and received some negative mail.  A pastor of a church wrote that I was being judgmental....., "Jesus didn't heal all the people of his time, why should we?"  

Which would Jesus choose:  healthcare as a right for all or a privelege for those who can afford it?  Would Jesus ask the wealthy to share their good fortune with those who have little....or would he endorse their accumulation of vast riches? 

Should pastors preach about this conflictual Christian attitude?  Where are Jesus' words falling in your church?  Your town?  Your country?  Think About It!     

(The words on the beginning image are from the sermon of J. Mary Luti for this Sunday.)