Liturgy for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C (Luke)
Theme: Attentive Faithfulness in a Distracted World
Introduction
Today’s readings draw us into a vision of faithful attentiveness—to God, to justice, and to the needs of others. In Amos, we hear a sobering word of judgment for a people who have grown indifferent to truth and compassion. Psalm 52 warns against arrogance and misplaced trust.
In contrast, Abraham welcomes strangers in Genesis with open-hearted hospitality, echoed in Psalm 15’s call to walk blamelessly and speak truth.
Paul reminds the Colossians that Christ is the image of the invisible God, and in Him we are called to maturity and hope.
Finally, in Luke’s Gospel, Martha and Mary invite us to consider the tension between busyness and presence, and to choose the better part of attentive devotion.
Summary of the Day’s Passages
Amos 8:1–12 Amos sees a basket of summer fruit—a symbol of Israel’s ripeness for judgment. The prophet denounces those who exploit the poor and manipulate religion for gain. A famine is coming, not of bread, but of hearing the word of the Lord. God’s silence will be the consequence of the people's indifference to justice.
Psalm 52 This psalm rebukes those who boast in evil and trust in their own wealth and lies. The psalmist contrasts them with the righteous, who trust in God's steadfast love and flourish like a green olive tree.
Genesis 18:1–10a Abraham offers generous hospitality to three strangers at Mamre. He runs to greet them, prepares a lavish meal, and listens attentively. In response, one of the visitors delivers a promise: Sarah will bear a son. The story models sacred attentiveness to both God and neighbor.
Psalm 15 This short psalm describes the character of one who may dwell in God’s presence: one who walks with integrity, speaks truth, keeps promises, and does no harm to others.
Colossians 1:15–28 Paul offers a cosmic vision of Christ as the image of God and the head of all creation. Through Christ, all things are reconciled. Paul reminds the church that this mystery of grace is now revealed, and we are called to remain grounded in Christ, growing toward maturity.
Luke 10:38–42 Jesus visits Martha and Mary. While Martha is distracted with many tasks, Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening. Jesus affirms Mary’s choice to be present and attentive, lifting it up as “the better part.” This passage challenges us to examine our priorities and seek a posture of faithful presence. Here is a sermon and here is a verse-by-verse breakdown of the passage.
Call to Worship
One: Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
All: In him all things hold together, and through him we are made whole.
One: In a world filled with noise, we come seeking stillness.
All: In a culture of distraction, we gather to listen.
One: In the midst of busyness, Christ invites us to sit and be present.
All: Let us worship the One who speaks, who listens, and who loves without end.
If you’d like more options, here are 22 Biblical Calls to Worship
Opening Prayer
God of stillness and presence, quiet our hearts and draw our attention to you. In a world that pulls us in every direction, help us to choose the better part—to sit at your feet, to listen for your Word, and to be renewed in your grace. May this time of worship re-center us in Christ, the One in whom all things hold together. Amen.
Call to Confession
One: We come before God not in shame, but in trust—knowing that the One who calls us also forgives us. Let us confess our sin and open our hearts to mercy.
Prayer of Confession
Patient and faithful God, we confess that we are easily distracted. We chase what does not satisfy and neglect what matters most. We busy ourselves with much, but rarely sit still in your presence. We speak of justice, yet often fail to act with compassion. Forgive us. Renew our focus, soften our hearts, and help us to live in step with your Spirit. In Christ we pray, Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
One: Hear the good news from Colossians: “He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
All: In Christ, we are forgiven, restored, and made new. Thanks be to God!
If you’d like more Assurances of Pardon, I provide background and a list of 30+ here.
Prayer of Illumination
I have a lot of resources available for prayers of illumination (categorized by Day or Season). Those resources are found here.
