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Eighth Sunday after Pentecost • Year C
August 3, 2025 • Proper 13
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Historical Collect
Almighty, eternal God, your kindness is far more than we desire or deserve. Generously pour out your mercy to forgive where our conscience is afraid and to provide that for which by ourselves, we do not even presume to pray; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect
Almighty God, our beginning and our end, you clothe us in the righteousness of Christ making us rich beyond all measure. Give us the wisdom to turn away from those things that create in us greed and draw us to find our treasure in you; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Common Thread
Why would seeking fulfillment in the things of the world be anything but vanity? We are created to seek the things above, not the things of the earth. This is a putting off of the old, and a putting on of the new self. God is faithful to renew us in this way. Those who set their minds on such things, lay up great treasure and are rich toward God. This is not vanity, for in such pursuit one is renewed in the image of the creator.
First Reading • Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-26
Politics can be a vexing, burdensome business. If there was ever something that is vanity and trying to catch the wind, it must be politics. The Preacher king knew it all too well. But all vocations are frustrating, and from time to time, they can become the things of nightmares, keeping us awake nights. Striving for fulfillment in politics and work will bring dissatisfaction and disappointment. Yet the hand of God gives to whom he will; let us trust in him instead of human government and personal toil.
Psalm • Psalm 100:1-5
The Westminster Shorter Catechism states that the chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. Knowing that he made us for this good pleasure, as sheep enjoy the shepherd, we are inspired to sing his praise, and enjoy his company and the fellowship of his people. Trusting in his faithfulness, we are able to enjoy him without anxiety over the things of the world.
Second Reading • Colossians 3:1-11
So much to do! So what should you do? Seek the higher things, the everlasting, heavenly things. For the life of the believer is now veiled in Christ; ours is the heavenly life, where Christ is, seated in power and glory at God’s own right hand. This what we should see; this is whom we must seek, upon whom we must set our minds. Therefore, the apostle exhorts us to put on the new nature of Christ, and be renewed in the knowledge of our faith.
Gospel • Luke 12:13-21
School, work, marriage, children; retirement: so much to worry about—or not. Jesus admonishes us about worrying after such matters, especially wealth. Storing up riches is an unsatisfactory and unrighteous way to live. Instead, knowing that the end of life may well come at some point soon, we should be rich toward God. He is all the treasure we need in this life and the one to come.
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
