‘At his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, who longed to fill himself with scraps that fell from the rich man’s table’
(see Luke 16:19-31)
The gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow. Globally, the richest 10% of the global population currently take home 52% of the income. The poorest half of the global population earn just 8 per cent.
And what of the UK? Well, the gap that exists in the UK has been amongst the worst in Europe. Poverty was on the rise before the Covid-19 crisis hit the UK. Between 2020 and 2021 the income of the UK’s poorest fifth of the population dropped by two per cent. In the last decade, the average income of the richest fifth of the population increased by more than nine percent, The average income of the poorest fifth of the population remained the same.
Behind every statistic is a real lived experience of a human being. In the story Jesus tells to illustrate his point he gives the poor man a name, Lazarus. The story colourfully illustrates the inequalities which exist in the world, and how each of us has an opportunity to respond to need and to work for change. The story takes us through the circumstances of rich and poor in this world and comes to a climax in eternity. As Christians, we set our heart on the life of Heaven and eternity, which guides and moves how we live here on earth. But to quote the strapline used by Christian Aid, ‘We believe in life before death.’ We have a duty of care for all.
PRAY FOR the affluent and the rich, and for those who have the power and position to make change, and for all who struggle financially.
Our daily reflections for Lent focus on the many injustices which exist in our world, as we seek to connect our life of prayer to social justice, the Justice of God which Christ proclaimed. More resources are available at www.southcardiffministryarea.co.uk/just-lent
South Cardiff Ministry Area 