ICF - Professions of Faith

Sunday 17th August 2025 - 10th Sunday after Pentecost

Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:1-2, 8-18; Hebrews 11:29-12:2; Luke 12:49-56
(Alternatives: Jeremiah 23:23-29; Psalm 82)

Today's reading from Isaiah is a poetic re-stating of the core message from previous weeks, that of the failure of God's people to align their society with the values commended by their God. What can be noticed though is that it draws on workplace imagery, that of a commercial vineyard, to make its point. The prophet is of course using an everyday metaphor to describe a theological and political reality, but might this image also be used the other way around? To what degree might the vineyard serve today not only as a symbol of a nation, an institution, but also the resources of this planet, or indeed the opportunities and resources that are placed into the hands of many through the world of work? A congregation might be invited to consider whether their experience of life and work, represents a similar abusee of resources which should be re-recognised as gifts from God. How might this recognition challenge and change our approach to the world of work and commerce?

Although the representations of Jeremiah, in the alternate readings, might not be expressed in such practical terms, their over-arching message is very similar.