Today is the Seventh Sunday after Trinity, when the Gospel reading is Luke’s account of the parable of the rich fool. This parable illustrates how wealth and possessions can become a distraction from the things that really matter in life.  The rich fool made the mistake of thinking that he owned a great deal and that, as a consequence, he was most secure.  The truth of the matter was that he did not even own his own life.  Later in verses 33 and 34 Jesus interprets the parable by exhorting his followers to build up treasure in heaven, for ‘where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’.

For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of money. In today’s picture from the illustrated book, The Lord is Here!, Teddy Horsley is adding his precious possessions to the offertory procession.   

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Lord Jesus Christ,

you teach your people

that wealth does not last forever.

Give us a proper attitude

toward our possessions,

that we may value the things that last;

for you are our God;

now and always.

Amen.

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Next week, the Eighth Sunday after Trinity, when the Gospel reading is Luke’s account of Jesus’ teaching to be alert and to be prepared. The image to help us prepare for next week’s theme is home security. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.

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