Fourth Sunday after Epiphany / Lectionary 4 (Year B) Sunday, January 29
First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 The prophet speaks with God's authority Psalm: Psalm 111 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. (Ps. 111:10) Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Limits to liberty: the case of food offered to idols Gospel: Mark 1:21-28 The healing of one with an unclean spirit Liturgical Color: Green
First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 My messenger is a refiner and purifier Psalm: Psalm 84 How dear to me is your dwelling, O LORD. (Ps. 84:1) Psalm (Alternate): Psalm 24:7-10 Lift up your heads, O gates, and the King of glory shall come in. (Ps. 24:7) Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 Jesus shares human flesh and sufferings Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 The child is brought to the temple Liturgical Color: White
Getting Out the WORD - the third sunday after the epiphany
Written by Pastor Bob
Wednesday, 25 January 2012 10:01
from the Trisynodical Theological Conference in Waco!
the PRAYER. . .
Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
the READING. . .
As he went a little farther, [Jesus] saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.... (Mark 1:14-20 )
the DEVOTION. . .
He remembered everything about them! The day they were born! Their first words! First steps! He rememembered the first time he took them out on the sea. He taught them to sail! To fish! Even, to mend nets! Sons! More than sons! Partners! Friends! Life itself! But, then, Zebedee saw Jesus walking toward him... with Simon... with Andrew... He heard him speak to the boys... speak to HIS boys... and, then, he watched... as they put down their nets... stand up... and walk away... No second thoughts... No hesitation...
I wonder what "commitment" looks like... to a father... sitting alone... in a boat... surrounded by strangers... What does "commitment" look like... to the ones who are left behind...
