Sunday 31 July 2022 | Unpacking Christian entitlement

Eigth Sunday after Pentecost Theme: Set your hearts on the things that are in heaven. COLLECT Generous God, you give us all things in abundance: help us to hold lightly the fading things of this earth so that we may grasp tightly the lasting things of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, for ever and ever. Amen. READING from Hosea 11: 1-11 The Lord says, “When Israel was a child, I loved him and called him out of Egypt as my son. 2 But the more I called to him, the more he turned away from me. My people sacrificed to Baal; they burned incense to idols. 3 Yet I was the one who taught Israel to walk. I took my people up in my arms, but they did not acknowledge that I took care of them. READING from Colossians 3: 1-11 5 You must put to death, then, the earthly desires at work in you, such as sexual immorality, indecency, lust, evil passions, and greed (for greed is a form of idolatry). 6 Because of such things God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him. 7 At one time you yourselves used to live according to such desires, when your life was dominated by them. 8 But now you must get rid of all these things: anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips. 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have put off the old self wit GOSPEL according to Luke 12: 13-21 19 And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' 20 But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' 21 So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God." BENEDICTION Go now as those raised with Christ, wondering at God’s great love and telling the story of your salvation. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed and set your minds on the ways of heaven. We go in peace to love and serve the Lord, In the name of Christ. Amen.