Sermon for The First Sunday after Trinity, 2025

We do not believe merely because He rose from the dead. The resurrection does not create faith; it confirms it. It affirms that everything He said and did is true. His word is trustworthy, His promises are sure, and His forgiveness is real. We believe Him. We trust Him. And we hold fast to His every word. And in that, we learn to become like Lazarus. 

Oh, let us learn to become ever like Lazarus, desiring the crumbs—the Word of God—that the world despises or considers of little to no value. There are so many things that present themselves in this life as things we need: money, goods, food and drink, security, health. All kinds of good things the earth can spread before us. How alluring, how tempting they can be. Yet, in the end, they are nothing. What you need, what we all truly need, is the Word of God. That is our treasure. There are our riches. It is the one thing that will save us, yes, most assuredly, will save us when nothing else can. 

So, let us learn to become like Lazarus. Let us desire, above all else, the Word of God. Even if we are beset with suffering and lack in this life, let us become like Lazarus, who, when he died, was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom and who now lives in the lap of luxury with Abraham and with all the Faithful. Let us become like Lazarus, knowing that we shall see and experience the immense, eternal riches gained for us by Christ alone and by His blessed suffering, death, and resurrection.

Readings:

• Old Testament: Genesis 15:1-6

• Epistle: 1 John 4:16-21

• Holy Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

Sermon: