Pentecost 15 - A Time to Lament and a Time to Act

A Time to Lament and a Time to Act

A short reflection on Jeremiah 8:18–9:1, Luke 16:1–13 | Storm Sunday

Storms come in many forms. Sometimes they rage outside with wind and rain; sometimes they churn inside our hearts. On this Storm Sunday, we hear two powerful texts that help us face both.

In Jeremiah, we meet a prophet whose heart is breaking. He sees the suffering of his people and cries out in deep sorrow: "Is there no balm in Gilead?" This is not just ancient poetry. It is an invitation to lament – to bring our grief, our fear, our confusion before God. Today, we lament the brokenness of our world: the climate crisis, economic injustice, the pain of the earth and its people. Like Jeremiah, we do not rush past the sorrow. We honour it. Because grief is not weakness; it is love that refuses to stay silent.

Then Jesus tells a surprising parable in Luke. A dishonest manager, facing a crisis, acts with urgency and shrewdness. He is no hero, but Jesus points to his decisiveness: he sees the storm and moves. Quickly. Creatively. Jesus challenges us: Are we using our time, resources, and energy to bring the kingdom closer?

This is the sacred rhythm: feel deeply, then act boldly. Weep for the world and then rise to heal it.

Grieving is holy work. Lament connects us with God's own sorrow and clears the way for hope.

Faith calls us to courageous action – to use what we have for justice, mercy, and change.

Ngā mihi
Philip

p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here: https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-pentecost-15-21-september-2025