Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, August 3, 2025)

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

In the early part of the twentieth century archeologist excavating the royal cemetery of Ur, an ancient Sumerian city mentioned in the Bible, made a gruesome discovery. In a huge pit in front of the tomb of a dead ruler of that city were several rows of the skeletons of men and women. The pit also contained the remains of four wheeled chariots and the skeletons of donkeys and oxen that had pulled them. Next to the chariots were the skeletons of their drivers.

While the tomb of the ruler was filled with grave goods, a golden helmet, jewelry, works of art, and a harp, and vessels that had at one time contained food and drink, the human skeletons in the pit had no grave goods or food and drink buried with them. The skeletons of the women had elaborate hair ornaments and the skeletons of the men closest to the entrance to the pit had helmets and spears—what they had worn or carried in their daily lives.

Scattered near the skeletons were numerous small clay cups which suggested that those buried in the pit had taken poison or they had taken a drug which rendered them unconscious, and they had been buried alive and died from suffocation. Few skulls had evidence of blunt instrument trauma, suggesting that some occupants of the pit had not gone to their deaths willingly.

Based upon the evidence, this particular ruler did not subscribe to the belief, “you can’t take it with you.” He was buried not only with his material possessions but also those who had served him in life.

In contrast are the views expressed in this Sunday’s readings and psalm.

In this Sunday’s message, we unpack the meaning of this Sunday’ Gospel reading and its implications for us.

GATHER IN GOD’S NAME

Open this link in a new tab to hear Claude Goudimel’s GENEVA 49.

Silence

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

Let us confess our sins
against God and our neighbour.

Silence is kept.

Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us,
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your name. Amen.

Merciful God,
grant to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins
and serve you with a quiet mind;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Lord, open our lips,
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now,
and will be for ever. Amen.

Alleluia!

Open this link in a new tab to hear Richard Proulx’s arrangement of John Bell and Graham Maule’s “Today I Awake.”

1 Today I awake and God is before me.
At night, as I dreamt, God summoned the day;
For God never sleeps but patterns the morning
with slithers of gold or glory in grey.

2 Today I arise and Christ is beside me.
He walked through the dark to scatter new light,
Yes, Christ is alive, and beckons his people
to hope and to heal, resist and invite.

3 Today I affirm the Spirit within me
at worship and work, in struggle and rest.
The Spirit inspires all life which is changing
from fearing to faith, from broken to blest.

4 Today I enjoy the Trinity round me,
above and beneath, before and behind;
The Maker, the Son, the Spirit together
they called me to life and call me their friend.

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

A reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes.
Ecclesiastes 1: 2, 12-14, 2: 18-23

It is useless, useless, said the Philosopher. Life is useless, all useless.

I, the Philosopher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. I determined that I would examine and study all the things that are done in this world.

God has laid a miserable fate upon us. I have seen everything done in this world, and I tell you, it is all useless. It is like chasing the wind.

Nothing that I had worked for and earned meant a thing to me, because I knew that I would have to leave it to my successor, and he might be wise, or he might be foolish—who knows? Yet he will own everything I have worked for, everything my wisdom has earned for me in this world. It is all useless. So I came to regret that I had worked so hard. You work for something with all your wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and then you have to leave it all to someone who hasn't had to work for it. It is useless, and it isn't right! You work and worry your way through life, and what do you have to show for it? As long as you live, everything you do brings nothing but worry and heartache. Even at night your mind can't rest. It is all useless.

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God

Silence

Open this link in a new tab to hear Jeff Lowe’s Psalm Project’s “Psalm 49: Listen to me all of you peoples.”

1 Listen to me all of you peoples;
Hear me, all who live in this world,
Both high and low, rich and poor alike.
I will speak out words of wisdom;
Utterances from my heart
Will give you understanding when you listen.
I will turn my ear
To a proverb, turn an ear,
And with the harp I will expound a riddle.

2 Why should I fear when evil days are come
And I’m surrounded by wicked and
Deceiving men who boast in riches.
For no - one can redeem another’s life
Or pay to God a ransom.
For the ransom it is far too costly;
The ransom is too costly;
No payment is enough, T
hat they should live forever and never decay.

3 All can see that wise men die,
The foolish and the senseless alike;
All perish, leaving all of their wealth to others.
Their tombs remain their houses,
Dwelling there forever, through all time,
Although they gave their names to lands they lived in.
So man despite his riches,
He will not endure,
And men despite their wealth will perish like beasts.

4 This is then the fate of those who trust themselves
And all who follow them,
Approving all of what they are saying.
They like sheep are bound for the grave,
And death itself will feed on them,
And in the morning they’ll be ruled by the upright.
And in their graves decaying,
So far from princely halls;
But God redeems my life from the realms of the dead.

[Instrumental interlude]

5 When a man grows rich and all the splendour
Of his house increases,
Do not then be overawed by him.
For they will take nothing with them;
When he dies his splendour it won’t go down with him,
Although men had thought him blessed.
They will join their fathers
Who never see the light;
So those without true knowledge
Perish like beasts.

A reading from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians.
Colossians 3: 1-11

You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory!

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). Because of such things God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him. At one time you yourselves used to live according to such desires, when your life was dominated by them.

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. Do not lie to one another, for you have put off the old self with its habits and have put on the new self. This is the new being which God, its Creator, is constantly renewing in his own image, in order to bring you to a full knowledge of himself. As a result, there is no longer any distinction between Gentiles and Jews, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarians, savages, slaves, and free, but Christ is all, Christ is in all.

The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God

Silence

Open this link to hear Ruth Duck’s paraphrase of the Benedictus Dominus Deus, “Now Bless the God of Israel.”

1 Now bless the God of Israel,
Who comes in love and pow'r,
Who raises from the royal house
Deliv'rance in this hour.
Through holy prophets God has sworn
To free us from alarm,
To save us from the heavy hand
Of all who wish us harm.

2 Remembering the covenant,
God rescues us from fear,
That we might serve in holiness
And peace from year to year;
And you, my child, shall go before
To preach, to prophesy,
That all may know the tender love,
The grace of God most high.

3 In tender mercy God will send
The dayspring from on high,
Our rising sun, the light of life
For those who sit and sigh.
God comes to guide our way to peace,
That death shall reign no more.
Sing praises to the Holy One!
O worship and adore!

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to Luke.
Luke 12: 13-21
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

A man in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide with me the property our father left us.”

Jesus answered him, “Friend, who gave me the right to judge or to divide the property between you two?” And he went on to say to them all, “Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed; because your true life is not made up of the things you own, no matter how rich you may be.”

Then Jesus told them this parable: “There was once a rich man who had land which bore good crops. He began to think to himself, ‘I don't have a place to keep all my crops. What can I do? This is what I will do,’ he told himself; ‘I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, where I will store the grain and all my other goods. Then I will say to myself, Lucky man! You have all the good things you need for many years. Take life easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night you will have to give up your life; then who will get all these things you have kept for yourself?’”

And Jesus concluded, “This is how it is with those who pile up riches for themselves but are not rich in God's sight.”

The Gospel of Christ.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

Our Most Precious Possession

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Luke 12: 13-21, we learn that Jesus did not see himself as a judge in settling family disputes over property. He took a dim view of human greed, the very strong wish to continuously get more of things like money and valuable possessions. Indeed, he warned his followers and would-be followers against wanting more than what they needed. He urged them to guard against all kinds of greed, drawing to their attention that life is not measured by how much we own, the things we possess. Jesus described as a fool anyone who stores up earthly wealth but neglects their relationship with God.

Greed was the downfall of Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus for 30 silver coins. Judas Iscariot kept the common purse of Jesus and his disciples and helped himself to the money in their common purse.

Elsewhere in the Gospels Jesus exhorts his followers and would-be followers to store treasure for themselves in heaven not on earth. He warns them that they cannot serve two masters—God and money. They will neglect one for the other. He shocks his disciples when he tells them that it was impossible for a rich man to enter God’s kingdom due to his great wealth. They believed as did other Jews of the time that only a rich man could meet all the demands of the Law and be acknowledged by God as righteous in his sight. Jesus teaches his followers not to worry about food and clothing but to trust God to provide them with what they need. He also teaches them to pray for their daily food.

Jesus’ teaching stands in sharp contrast to what the world values in our time and throughout much of history. The dominant culture in the United States is obsessed with wealth. The internet, newspapers, magazines, television, and radio cater to this obsession with stories of the doings of the rich. Success in life is measured in terms of amassing wealth and with wealth influence and power. The rich put their wealth on display in the form of mansions; large, expensive cars and yachts; private jet planes; trophy wives; and an extravagant lifestyle.

The Prosperity Gospel, a false gospel whose proponents has gained a following in recent years, teaches that having a lot of money and valuable possessions is one of God’s blessings upon his people. Its proponents ignore what Jesus taught and how he lived, and twist Scripture to support their teaching.

Francis of Assissi who lived a life of voluntary poverty, John Wesley who gave away most of his income to help others, and John Stott who lived very simply while he was rector of All Souls, Langham Place, London, and after his retirement to his death in 2011 exemplify what Jesus taught and practiced. They put their relationship with God first. If we want to be true disciples, walking in the way of Jesus, we will do the same thing. We will put our relationship with God first. This may mean adopting a simpler lifestyle, living more frugally, and generously helping others.

As I have grown older, I have come to realize the truth of what Jesus taught. We reach a stage in our lives when we need to start divesting ourselves of the possessions that we have accumulated over the years. We may hang onto some things like family keepsakes longer than others because they have sentimental value. They have memories associated with them. But sooner or later we must let them go too. God must become our all in all and our relationship with him, our most precious possession--the only thing of true value. .

Silence

Let us confess our faith, as we say,

I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again
to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Open this link in a new tab to hear David Haas’ “Blessed Are They.”

1 Blest are they, the poor in spirit;
theirs is the kingdom of God.
Blest are they, full of sorrow,
they shall be consoled.

Rejoice and be glad!
Blessed are you; holy are you!
Rejoice and be glad!
Yours is the Kingdom of God!

2 Blest are they, the lowly ones;
they shall inherit the earth.
Blest are they, who hunger and thirst;
they shall have their fill.

Rejoice and be glad!
Blessed are you; holy are you!
Rejoice and be glad!
Yours is the Kingdom of God!

3 Blest are they who show mercy;
mercy shall be theirs.
Blest are they, the pure of heart;
they shall see God!

Rejoice and be glad!
Blessed are you; holy are you!
Rejoice and be glad!
Yours is the Kingdom of God!

4 Blest are they who seek peace;
they are the children of God.
Blest are they who suffer in faith,
the glory of God is theirs.

Rejoice and be glad!
Blessed are you; holy are you!
Rejoice and be glad!
Yours is the Kingdom of God!

5 Blest are you who suffer hate
all because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, yours is the kingdom,
shine for all to see.

Rejoice and be glad!
Blessed are you; holy are you!
Rejoice and be glad!
Yours is the Kingdom of God!

THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER

If a worshiping group celebrating this office has one or more lists of people and concerns for which it desires prayer, it is strongly recommended that such lists be read before the prayers begin as this practice has the advantage of informing those present about particular needs before they join in the prayers. At the appropriate points in the form those present should be given ample opportunity to add their own petitions and thanksgivings.

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

Silence

For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbours, and for all those
who are alone.

For this community, our country, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the
needy.

For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the gospel, and all who seek the truth.

For N our bishop, and for all bishops and other ministers;
For all who serve God in his Church.

For our own needs and those of others.

Silence. 

Those present may add their own petitions.

Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

Silence. 

Those present may add their own thanksgivings.

We will exalt you, O God our king;
And praise your name for ever and ever.

We pray for all those who have died in the peace of Christ,
and for those whose faith is known to you alone,
that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.

Silence. 

Those present may add their own petitions.

Lord, let your loving kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.

Gracious God,
you have heard the prayers of your faithful people;
you know our needs before we ask,
and our ignorance in asking.
Grant our requests as may be best for us.
This we ask in the name of your Son
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord of all power and might,
the author and giver of all good things:
Graft in our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us true religion,
nourish us with all goodness,
and of your great mercy keep us in the same;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

And now, as our Saviour Christ has taught us,
we are bold to say,

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE

Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine
on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look upon us with favour
and grant us peace. Amen.