ICF - Professions of Faith

Sunday 6th July 2025 - 4th Sunday after Pentecost

2 Kings 5:1-14; Psalm 30; Galatians 6:(1-6)7-16; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20.
(Alternatives: Isaiah 66:10-14;Psalm 66:1-8.)

The slave girl's story in today's Old Testament first reading creates a profound opportunity to explore some experiences and issues in the world of work. While we might recognise and condemn the realities that gave rise to her situation, she offers a powerful reminder that even in the most difficult and powerless of workplace situations, her faith identity prompted her to seek what was good. The potential impact of the apparently powerless is further reinforced when it is the servants who persuade Naaman from his arrogance and stubbornness, resulting in his eventual cure. There is an obvious challenge to consider how her example might inform our own attitudes to situations that might initially appear to offer no opportunity to enact our faith values.

Without condoning the actions of the military raiding parties, there is nonetheless an opportunity to recognise in her example, a refusal to simply label Naaman by his role and position, but to see the human being and the human need that lay behind these. From this, a congregation might be invited to recognise how certain roles and occupations can be negatively portrayed in contemporary society, causing us to lose sight of the human being who holds that position. The radical example of the slave girl could be offered to a congregation as an invitation to pray for those who might not normally attract their concern or commendation.

The theme of 'reaping what you sow' from the Galatians passage might be usefully explored through the working experience of congregational members. While there is an obvious reference to the world of agriculture - engineers, manufacturers, builders and chefs, to name but a few, might be invited to reflect on how choice of materials and attention to process can affect outcomes. The application here echoes the story from 2 Kings that we should 'never tire of doing right' even in circumstances where this may be challenging and difficult.

Luke's account of the sending of the seventy-two is a reminder of the call for everyone to live out their discipleship in the midst of everyday life. The attitude that Jesus commends is one that receives the hospitality of others and seeks to recognise the good within them. While a congregation might not be sent out as a cohort of itinerant preachers, there is a clear opportunity to consider how this call translates into the everyday working lives of contemporary Christians.

Alongside these themes, there are numerous references to working professions in today's readings that might be included in intercessions or opportunities to participate. These would include military service, household service, medical and healing professions, rulers and holders of authority, the hospitality sector, parenting and the caring professions.