Collect: Proper 20

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 . . .  the prophet laments both the heavy word that it is his duty to carry to the people, and the stubborn resistance of the people to repentance

Psalm 79:1-9 . . .  petition for the Lord’s help and deliverance

1 Timothy 2:1-7 . . . disciples are called upon to pray for all, including political rulers, so that Christians may lead peaceable and moral lives.  It is God’s will that everyone should find salvation.

Luke 16: 1-13 . . . the story of the steward who, when dismissed for mismanagement, showed himself to be very shrewd.  This is followed by teaching about Mammon, that is, worldly wealth.

Sermon . . .

How would you like to be liberated and set free from the hold that money has on your life? Brian McLaren–speaker, activist, and bestselling author, explains how to make this happen in today’s sermon from Luke 16:1-13. McLaren explains that today’s parable is a continuation of the three from Luke 15, the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son. These next two parables begin…”there was a rich man.” McLaren explains the historical and economic history surrounding the passage and how understanding this context helps make this parable much more accessible to us. He says, “This passage proclaims a kingdom of God that has an economic system…one in which everyone matters…Love God and you will see everything else in a new value system.” Listen and find out what this new value system is and how it can liberate you from the hold money might have on your life.