ICF - Professions of Faith

Sunday 13th April 2025 - Palm Sunday

Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 22:14-23:56 
(Alternatives: Luke 23:1-49; Luke 19:28-40; Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29)

There are numerous workplace references within the Scriptures and stories of Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Some broad themes are offered below:

The last supper is the most obvious, but the passion narrative unfolds within the working lives of many people. Someone would have furnished the room, prepared food etc. This might provide opportunity to pray for those in the hospitality industry, particularly those for whom the holiday period will mean an increased workload and diminish their capacity to gather with the church community.

It is easy to see work as that which might separate and detach us from the messages and reflections of Holy Week. A congregation might be reminded that for many, it was the pursuit of their daily work as soldiers, servants and tradesmen that brought them to the heart of the narrative. How might we encounter God in the midst of our daily endeavours?

Those who find work difficult and demanding might draw strength from those Scriptures that remind us of Christ's own struggle and pain. God is with us in the midst of the most difficult of circumstances.

Reflecting on the role of the soldiers and others, we might be inclined to be dismissive of work, highlighting how through work we can be induced to do things that we otherwise might not. Yet it can be noted that the religious leaders no less act wrongly through the collective identity of their life role. Work itself is not wrong, nor does it make us wrong - rather it is how we understand and engage with it, whatever our chosen profession!