BY: LYNETTE BALLARD, M.A., M.A.H.C.M.
SENIOR DIRECTOR, LEARNING INTEGRATION, CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION, ST. LOUIS
CALL TO PRAYER
LEADER: As we gather this morning, let us reflect quietly on God's presence with us, now and always.
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 ones who are indifferent to their suffering.
READING Luke 16:19-23
A reading from the Gospel of Luke. 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.
Pause for reflection.
LEADER: Jesus calls us to be aware of the chasm in health care today, the disparity in care that results in worse outcomes for persons who are made vulnerable because they are unjustly kept outside the mainstream of community life. Jesus calls us to act for justice. He calls us to bring comfort and healing to those who do not sit at the table today. Jesus calls us to advocate for persons on the margins of society, and to promote and defend human dignity.
RESPONSIVE READING
Psalm 85:8, 10-12 (New American Bible)
LEADER: Show us, Lord, your love; grant us your salvation.
ALL: Near indeed is salvation for the loyal; prosperity will fill our land.
LEADER: Love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss.
ALL: Truth will spring from the earth; justice will look down from heaven.
MUSIC
Suggested: "Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service," by Albert F. Bayly
LEADER: With Jesus' call in mind, let us pray together.
ALL: God, our creator and the ground of our being, we give you thanks for all 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. Through our work we strive to diminish the chasm of disparity and bring about greater justice and equity. We ask your blessings on our work today and on all those in our community who need our care. We ask this in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.