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Jesus told the parable of the rich man and Lazarus to draw attention to the great chasm that exists between the poor and the powerful who are indifferent to their suffering. As part of Jesus’ healing mission, we are called to promote justice.

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. (Luke 16:19-23)

Jesus calls us to be aware of the chasm in health care. He calls us to act for justice. He calls us to bring comfort and healing to those who are not sitting at the table today. He calls us to advocate for the poor, and to promote and defend human dignity.

With Jesus’ call in mind, let us pray together…

God, our creator and the ground of our being, we give you thanks for all of the blessings of this life, especially for the gift of each other and our work. Every person is a treasure, every life a sacred gift. May the work we do diminish the chasm of disparity and bring about greater justice and equity. We ask your blessings, in the name of Jesus, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.