Sermon: August 10, 2025

Reading: Luke 12: 32-40

In our gospel reading, Jesus says, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” Store up for yourselves not earthly, temporary things, but store up for yourselves eternal heavenly things.

Jesus’ words are not about ways to avoid God’s punishment or how to receive a reward from God. His words are meant to encourage us to live into the kingdom of God and free us from the bondage of fear, hate, and isolation; uniting all humanity through God’s divine love

We are all made in the image of God, and God is love, which means God’s kingdom is one of divine love - a love that flows in us and through us, connecting us not only to God but to all humanity. It is a love that must be shared with all of God’s creation, just as God shares it with us. Every act of kindness, every act of generosity, and compassion is the Spirit of God flowing through us like the river rushing to the sea.

Jesus’ words were meant to encourage us not to let fear prevent us and all humanity from mutually living, loving, and laughing together as one human family, God’s family. We cannot allow fear to turn us away. We must move forward. Only by moving forward like the river can we become the vast ocean of God’s creation and experience the immeasurable life that God’s kingdom has to offer.