This week’s gospel reading tells the story of a rich man who feasted every day and a poor man named Lazarus who longed for crumbs at his gate (Luke 16:19–31). The rich man never saw Lazarus as a neighbor. Even in death he only saw him as a servant.But the good news of Jesus is not a morality tale about being nicer. It is the announcement that God sees us. Whether we feel like Lazarus, wounded and invisible, or like the rich man, keeping up appearances but wondering if anyone really knows us, the promise of the gospel is the same. Jesus sees you, and Jesus loves you.In this sermon Father Alan speaks directly to those who have been told that God hates them, and to those who have been told their job is to condemn those they think are sinners.Wherever you are and whatever you have been told, hear this:Jesus sees you. And Jesus loves you.