The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost C

The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost C

Luke 12:13-21

“…for one’s life does not consist in
the abundance of his possessions”
(Lk. 12:15)

7 consists of all those things which can be said to be “ours”—things like money, property, social position, family, friends, even the possession of virtues and character, works and deeds. All these have value to the world and to us as we live in it and by its markers. Their abundance measures our success as we strive to win by “dying with the most toys.” But that is not life, according to Jesus. Life is not possessing much. After all, there is also this old saw, “The more things you own, the more things own you.” Yes, life is not had by possessing much rather, it is had by being much possessed. Possessed, not by a demonic spirit, but by God’s Holy Spirit as it calls, gathers, enlightens, sanctifies, and keeps you in the one true faith which is Jesus Christ, Son of the Father from eternity. Once, you were confused, thinking that you had possessions but then the Holy Spirit came and stripped away your confusion to show you that your possessions possessed you. That same Holy Spirit, in the mercy of the Father through the Son, Jesus Christ, reveals that you are possessed—not by the things you own—but by the love of God, Jesus Christ, who has been poured into your heart through the Holy Spirit.

Prayers from one who likes his toys…

Heavenly Father, you are so ready to give me life and give it abundantly, so place your Word in my ears and drive it to my heart that I would have the life of Christ even as my life is hidden away with him in you. Faithful Father, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you are so ready to give me life and give it abundantly. As you make Jesus Christ my life, relieve me of my fears of mortality. Relieved of such fears, death no longer controls my life, but I live in the abundance of days given me by your Son. Faithful Father, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you are so ready to give me life and give it abundantly. In this abundance of days, you see to it that I am neither anxious nor harried but have plentiful time to enjoy those things which you provide me. Faithful Father, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you are so ready to give me life and give it abundantly. Not only do you give me life, but you also provide neighbors innumerable. So turn me toward them, both near and far, that my abundance and plenty would be useful to them as I fill my hands with labors on their behalf. Faithful Father, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you are so ready to give me life and give it abundantly. To those neighbors close to me—my family and friends—grant them the enjoyment of my humility in the light of your providence. Faithful Father, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you are so ready to give me life and give it abundantly. Share the abundance you’ve bestowed upon me with the Institute of Lutheran Theology so that its need for daily bread—students, money, faculty, and staff—is satisfied day by day. Faithful Father, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you are so ready to give me life and give it abundantly. As abundant as is the life you give in this world, the abundance of life in the world to come is immeasurably greater. Grant me satisfaction and contentment with what you have provided now so that the abundance of the life to come exceeds all my expectations. Faithful Father, hear my prayer.