We discuss four reasons why the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus was told and talk about the most important reason, which is contained at the end of the parable: “And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” (Luke 16:31). Of course this was a warning to the Jews who did not believe in Jesus and it is also a warning to us who profess to believe in a risen Jesus. We talk about this warning and the only way to react to it: mindfulness, heedfulness, empathy, intensity, and inner life. Audio: http://www.orthodox.net/sermons/luke-05_2022+lazarus+they-will-not-be-persuaded-though-one-rose-from-the-dead.mp3 Video: https://youtu.be/ySvmC_K1CcM Timestamps: 2:20 – 5:03 Another reason for the parable – “Eliazar – Lazarus” means “ God has helped. And a discursion regarding sadness in this life and if it is remembered in the next. 5:03 – 5:32 If a person understands about heaven and Hell, they will not cry out for vengeance. 5:32 Another reason for the parable: we have responsibilities. 6:20 The “new” religion that pretends to be Christianity – that there is salvation without labor. 6:57 The great sin of the rich man. 7:25 We are a society of narcissists 9:00 – 10:20 The greatest problem that must be overcome by prisoners. Something I have learned after 26 years of prison ministry. 9:54 – 10:20 The opposite of love is not hate, it is… 10:21 The most important spiritual/practical meaning of the parable. 13:40 We are only fully alive when we are living with mindfulness and respond to the needs of the many “Lazarus’s” that cross our path. And about the necessity to pray for others. 14:05 Praying for others because we are not the center of the universe, and we need to stop being narcissists. 15:00 – 16:26 Regarding watching news about the war in Ukraine and prayer and politics. 18:26 – 24:03 Heedfulness, and morality and “created morality”. And how to obtain heedfulness. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySvmC_K1CcM

A meditation on the epistle. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all long-suffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 1 Timothy 1:15–17 ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Bju0NNkT0