ICF - Professions of Faith

Sunday 3rd August 2025 - 8th Sunday after Pentecost

Hosea 11:1-11; Psalm 107:1-9, 43; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21
(Alternatives: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23; Psalm 49:1-11)

The prophet Hosea uses the image of a nurturing parent to express the nature of God's care for the human communities to whom his message is addressed. This is further echoed in the narrative of Psalm 107. This offers an opportunity to reflect on the significance of those who work in the care sector, both to consider how that job done well can contribute to our understanding of God's nature, and how those who fulfil this role are reflecting God's concern for humanity.

The alternative Old Testament readings expound the benefit of wisdom, offering the opportunity to recognise and appreciate the role of those who work in the education sector, philosophers, theologians, researchers and social commentators. We might recognise that the wisdom commended in these stanzas, is more than mere human reason, but a reflection of God's priorities and purpose. This also serves as a challenge to consider how every aspect of human life and work can be aligned with God's will and purpose.

At first sight, the New Testament readings might appear to present something of a contradiction to these ideas. The epistle speaks of a mind set away from the things of earth, directed instead towards the heavenly - a line of reasoning that is also echoed in the Gospel episode. But the Gospel episode is also a significant example of the narratives of heaven being applied to the activities of earth. The disgruntled brother has allowed pursuit of wealth to undermine familial relationships, while the successful farmer in the story becomes so pre-occupied with his earthly success, that he accumulates rather than shares what he has. He orders his life in response to financial success rather than anticipation of God's coming kingdom.

It is a parable addressed to both brothers, and offers a powerful message to a world that can become equally pre-occupied with economic success and personal wealth. It can be further argued that the point of the epistle is to turn attention to the heavenly so that this can impact our behaviour and priorities in the here and now. Thus a congregation might be invited to consider where these New Testament readings challenge and where they might shape each person's unique experience of daily life and work.

The Gospel reading might also be used to shed light on specific areas of work that emerge from the narrative: Those who work to help address issues of family breakdown; those who work in personal and corporate finance; companies and organisations that place community interest above accumulated profit; credit unions etc.