In the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, Jesus reveals to us a man who was so consumed with himself, his possessions and his own comfort that during the course of his life he never really noticed this poor beggar named Lazarus who sat at his gate day after day.  While preparing to preach this text a few months ago, I couldn’t help but see much of myself in the character of the Rich Man.  Often my own schedule, needs, hobbies and comfort blind me from the obvious needs of those around me.  It caused me to ask the question: who are the needy that are right in my midst, and yet are “invisible” to me?  It’s sort of a scary question to ask.  There are some obvious ones that immediately came to mind, such as the homeless in my community, the elderly widow two houses down, and even the young single girl across the street who desperately needs Jesus.  But it wasn’t until a couple of nights ago that I realized there is a whole group of people that are often invisible to me, even though they are all around me.  They are people with special needs and disabilities.Read more