Proper 25 Yr C
Eyes on the prize

Scripture: October 26, 2025 (Proper 25, Year C)—Joel 2:23-32 (image); Psalm 65 (image); Sirach 35:12-17 (image) or Jeremiah 14:7-10,19-22 (image), Psalm 84:1-6 (image), 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18 (image), and Luke 18:9-14 (image). 

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reflection: 

Track 1: The author of Second Timothy declares, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (4:7). What does that look like in your life? How does your church keep the faith, even in the face of all the world’s challenges?

Track 2: What is prayer? When we hear the prayers of the two men in the temple (Luke 18:9–14), what does Jesus’ appreciation of the tax collector’s prayer tell us about the purpose of prayer?

Practice: There are times when the “race” is hard. How do you face these times? If you are so moved, share.

For families: Study guide and activities (former guide), group activity, snacks—see group activity, kid video

For children: See family guide/activities (another activity); bulletin; still another activity

For middlers: See family guide/activities (another activity; bulletin; still another activity

Coloring: Luke, Pharisee and Tax Collector, Psalm 65

For youth: Sometimes, the line is not clear between noticing a job you have done well and becoming conceited. Or between being proud of your accomplishments and being prideful. The line between honest self-disclosure to God and maudlin staying stuck in the sin can be confusing also. How can we be alert to this distinction in ourselves? What part of you do you see in the Tax Collector? in the Pharisee? Share your thoughts, if you wish. [excerpted from Lessons that work from The National Episcopal Church]

The gospel reading in the liturgy today has to do with our approach to God in prayer. It is not the proud Pharisee’s bragging prayer but the humble confession of the sinner which brings God’s response.

[Using Joel] We continue to read through the prophets, which we began doing in June. Now we hear from Joel, who lived well after the time of Jeremiah. Joel rejoices in God’s goodness and the blessings the Lord has given them. He says that in the days to come God will also pour out the Spirit upon the people and all who call on God will be saved.

[Using Jeremiah] This is illustrated in the reading from Jeremiah. The time is during a drought, which was regarded as a sign of divine disapproval of the sinfulness of the people. The prophet confesses the sin of the people and asks God to have mercy because of God’s love and in spite of the people’s sin.

[Using Sirach] The writer of Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus) tells us much the same as the reading from Luke. When we approach God in pride, our way is blocked by our own ego. When we confess our wrongdoings, God hears and responds with forgiveness.

The second reading is presented as Paul’s final words to Timothy when Paul was in prison and facing his imminent death. That approaching martyrdom finds Paul confident in the good he has done, but, like the tax collector, he is aware of his total dependence upon God.

We, the community of faith, are put into right relationship with God not because of our success being good, but because we place our whole trust and confidence in God. We strive to give up all and follow Jesus not in order to earn God’s favor, but as our response to the unswerving love God has for us.