Indifference
Indifference
In this week’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells us the haunting story of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus.
The details in this parable are deliberately striking.
The rich man wears purple—a color so expensive in the ancient world that it was reserved for royalty and the very wealthy. He feasts “sumptuously every day”—not just on special occasions, but as his daily routine.
Meanwhile, Lazarus—whose name significantly means “God helps”—lies destitute and sick at the rich man’s gate suffering in plain sight. His body is covered with sores, he’s desperately hungry, and he’s so weak that he can’t even drive away the street dogs who lick his wounds.
What strikes me most about this parable, though, isn’t just the stark contrast between wealth and poverty, but something far more insidious: indifference…a theme in all of this week’s readings.
See you Sunday.
Steve+
Pollinator Garden Planting Day—Saturday, October 11
Soon Redeemer will host not only people, but also God’s winged creatures, with our help! The beds adjoining our parking lot are being prepared for a native pollinator garden that supports bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Here’s where we come in:
Donate plants: from your own garden, from a gardening friend, or purchased.
Help plant and mulch at Planting Day, Saturday, October 11, 2025, 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Refreshments and lunch provided. Kids welcome, with activities.
We’ll have flyers with more details available Sunday. RSVP or questions to Mary Sue Burgess, 410-279-8039, by Friday, October 3.
OTHER NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Fall Home Groups: Christianity Explored—beginning the week of October 5. Email Steve Engstrom with your evening preference (Monday - Thursday) by Friday, October 3
Children’s Formation, Nursery, and Usher/Safety Training—Tomorrow September 27, 10:00-11:30AM
Discovery Luncheons—This Sunday, September 28, Sunday, October 26 & Sunday, November 30 following worship. Open to all who are new to Redeemer or interested in membership. Email Steve Wishart if you're interested in participating
Women’s Retreat, “From Fractured to Flourishing” with Chrystie Cole—Friday, October 24 & Saturday, October 25 @ 1309. Register online here (select “Women’s Retreat 2025” in the pulldown menu when redirected to Redeemer’s online giving portal)
“Fifth” Sunday Potluck/Membership Sunday—November 23 following worship
Morning Prayer—Tuesday-Friday, 8AM on Zoom
Men’s Bible Study—Thursdays, 7AM @ 1309
Painting: “Lazarus and the Rich Man” by Jacobo Bassano (c. 1550), courtesy of The Cleveland Museum of Art
