What is to be gained under the sun?
“I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.”
Kazakhstani artist Nelly Bube depicts the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21; left column) alongside the Jesus’s instructions on watchfulness (Luke 12:35-40; right column). The Rich Fool is further depicted in the center of the image, his contemplation fixed on managing his overflow of goods; his back turned both to the wisdom of watchfulness, and to the viewer of the image.
Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.
—Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Luke 12:15)
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Texts for This Week
Prayer
Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your grace that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Adorn yourself, O dear soul!
Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele is a well-beloved Lutheran communion hymn, with lyrics penned by Johann Frank, joined to the tune written by Johann Crüger as early as 1649. It was an immediate smash hit, picked up by several composers for arrangement and inspiration. JS Bach wrote a whole chorale version of the hymn in 1724, (BWV 180, featured in the video here), as well as a choral prelude (BWV 654) ornamenting the melody, to be played communion is received, and the choir prepares to lead the hymn.
The chorale came into the tradition of English hymnody in 1858 through the able translation of Catherine Winkworth, who brought much of the German tradition into our tongue. Here is the choir of Trinity College, Cambridge singing a moving acapella setting of the hymn
