Bible Readings

St. John's, York Mills

December 31: 1st Sunday after Christmas
I Samuel 2:18-20,26
Psalm 148
Colossians 3:12-17
Luke 2:41-52

Our readings to-day tell of two young boys, Samuel and Jesus, whose lives were devoted to loving and serving God. We have a glimpse of the young Jesus with an insatiable thirst to know about God and the spiritual history of His people. Both boys were humbly obedient to the discipline of their surroundings and continued to grow in wisdom and grace. The apostle Paul urges his readers also, as "God's chosen ones" to practice the virtues of the Christian life.

December 25: Christmas Day
Isaiah 9:2-7 or Isaiah 62:6-12 or Isaiah 57:7-10
Psalm 96 or Psalm 97 or Psalm 98
Titus 2:11-14 or Titus 3:4-7 or Hebrews 1:1-4(5-12)BR> Luke 2:1-14(15-20) or Luke 2:(1-7)8-20 or John 1:1-14

The long-expected, much prayed about event is upon us. "Let the earth rejoice!" "The grace of God has appeared offering salvation to all." "He saved us through the baptism of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit He lavished on us through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that we might be justified by His grace." Thanks be to God! A blessed Christmas to all from St. John's, York Mills.

December 24: 4th Sunday of Advent
Micah 5:2-5a
Canticle 18(Luke 1:47-55) or Psalm 80:1-7
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45(46-55)

As the long-awaited birth of God's Messiah draws near, there is a sense of excitement. But what a surprise! Rather than regal surroundings and a welcoming parade, there is a humble and devout young girl and a lonely, tedious journey. But Mary rejoiced: "The hungry He has given every good thing, while the rich He has sent empty away".

December 17: 3rd Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Canticle 3(Isaiah 12:2-6)
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18

God has revealed Himself in Jesus to be a God of unfathomable love, who heals and restores and strengthens His people. We are reminded in to-day's readings that we need to be continually open to this love and to put our trust in God, 'dismissing all anxiety from our minds and presenting our needs to God in every form of prayer' as well as by performing deeds of kindness.

December 10th: 2nd Sunday of Advent
Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4
Canticle 19(Luke 1:68-79)
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6

Throughout its history, Israel had been besieged by enemies. Old Testament prophets had often seen this as God's judgment on a people who, by being too ready to pursue other gods, to put their trust in their own strength or the power of unsavoury allies, had become alienated from the God of Abraham. But now God's people are being called upon to rejoice: God is providing a way back for those who repent of this alienation. Entering into their human condition, He is about to redeem them through the sacrifice of His Son. In this season of Advent, we too, are called upon to reflect on our relationship with God and to prepare ourselves for His coming into our lives in a more meaningful way.

December 3rd: 1st Sunday of Advent
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-9
I Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36

In Advent, we anticipate the birth of Jesus, a time when we celebrate His coming into our own lives and we look forward to His coming again in glory. Advent, then, is a time of preparation for all these "comings". We are to keep the faith, to learn of Jesus' ways, to be filled with His love and to be cleansed of all that prevents His coming into our hearts.

November 26th: The Reign of Christ
II Samuel 23:1-7
Psalm 132:1-13, (14-19)
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37

Sustained by God's presence, David united the northern and southern kingdoms; he subjected all his enemies and gave to his people a time of justice and spiritual enrichment. Yet even he looked forward to the reign of One greater than himself who would rule in absolute justice with all the freshness of "the morning light at sunrise on a cloudless morning". Jesus came to fulfill that expectation while revealing that His kingdom "is not of this world". And so, we look to His coming again in the fullness of time when all will be subdued 'beneath His feet'. (Hebrews 10:13).

November 19th: 24th Sunday after Pentecost
I Samuel 1:4-20
I Samuel 2:1-10
Hebrews 10:11-14,(15-18),19-25
Mark 13:1-8

As with Ruth, we see in the life of Hannah God granting the gift of new life where there was barrenness and grief. In the same way, those who come to God in hunger and humility are given new life in Christ. For the final revelation, however, there will be a time of patient waiting (Romans 8:18-25).

November 12th: 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17
Psalm 127
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44

Again the story of Ruth is a vehicle for Biblical truth. Naomi's faith was more than mere show. It carried her through incredible loss and adversity, enabling her to reach out to the daughter-in-law who had been such a loving support. And her faith was not misplaced. Boaz became the instrument of God's promise, fulfilling the obligation of a kinsman and foreshadowing the sacrifice of Christ who "brings salvation to those who eagerly await him".

November 5: 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Ruth 1:1-18
Psalm 146
Hebrews 9:11-14
Mark 12:28-34

Ruth had seen some overriding truth in the life and beliefs of her mother-in-law. Her response of total commitment has become a model for the believer's response to Christ. Like Ruth, the follower of Jesus enters into a new "land" with new relationships. All the things we do to make ourselves acceptable to God and to others cannot hold a candle to the great commandment of love: to love God with heart and soul and mind and strength and our neighbour as ourselves.

October 29th: 21st Sunday after Pentecost
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Psalm 34:1-8, (19-22)
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 10:46-52

There is much to be learned through suffering--endurance, true values, dependence on God and obedience to Him--but there comes a time when suffering seems pointless and those who suffer can relate to the plea of blind Bartimaeus: "Lord, I want to see!" This was the beginning of Job's healing and Jesus ever lives to offer the same healing sight to His followers.

October 22nd: 20th Sunday after Pentecost
Job 38:1-7, (34-41)
Psalm 104:1-9, 25, 37b
Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 10:35-45

Through the overpowering fulmination of the storm, in the extremity of his suffering, Job came to an awareness of the vastness of God and of his own relative insignificance. He understood that all wisdom lies with God. It was not his place to question God, but to obey Him. Jesus exemplified the same humility in saying He had not come "to be served but to serve--to give His life in ransom for many".

October 15th: 19th Sunday after Pentecost
Job 23:1-9,16,17
Psalm 22:1-15
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31

Jesus, Himself, experienced the utter degradation of severe suffering and, although He clung to His belief in God, He felt far removed from God's presence. And so He is able to walk with those who experience the same kind of suffering and to redeem that suffering, bestowing God's free gift of eternal life "in this present age . . . and in the age to come". Thanks be to God!

October 8th: 18th Sunday after Pentecost
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Psalm 26
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Mark 10:2-16

Sometimes it seems as if God has given the powers of evil full permission to ruin our lives. But our readings to-day assure us that God is always in control. Jesus has overcome the power of death and, through him, God is able to redeem all our suffering in ways far beyond all we could ask or imagine. In our final reading, we are given the beautiful picture of coming to God with the perfect trust of a little child. Such trust enables us to participate in the peace and joy of the "reign of God".

October 1st: 17th Sunday after Pentecost
Esther 7:1-6,9,10; 9:20-22
Psalm 124
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50

The Old Testament records for us many instances when God dramatically rescued His people from disaster. The New Testament affirms God's healing, restoring love in individual lives, but underlines the necessity of putting our trust in God, so that our prayer becomes a prayer of faith and not one of desperate hope. At times, we may have to rely on the firm faith of others. Most of all, there must be nothing on our consciences acting as a barrier between us and God or between us and others. We are to confess our sins so that God's forgiveness and healing can flow into our lives.

September 24th: 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Proverbs 31:10-31
Psalm 1
James 3:13-4:3,7, 8a
Mark 9:30-37

To-day's readings extol the virtues of industry and integrity. But it is industry and integrity which are rooted in a faithful relationship with God, not in the pursuit of personal pleasure or aggrandizement. Such a person accumulates a wealth of treasure—material and spiritual—to share with others. He/she is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season and whose leaves never fade."

September 17th: 15th Sunday after Pentecost
Proverbs 1:20-33
Psalm 19 or Wisdom 7:26-8:1
James 3:1-12
Mark 8:27-38

With few exceptions, those who had difficulty with Jesus were those who had a stake and a measure of security in society. Self-denial, taking up the burden of the world’s sinful state, giving up the control and direction of their lives and following where Jesus would lead them, held little interest for them. But our Old Testament readings affirm to us that God’s wisdom is the only true source of wholeness and joy. Who do you say Jesus is?

September 10th: 14th Sunday after Pentecost
Proverbs 22:1, 2, 8, 9, 22, 23
Psalm 125
James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17
Mark 7:24-37

Material wealth is not what matters to God. In this time of an apparently widening gap between rich and poor, it is well to remember that we are all children of the same God. It is tempting to be impressed by power and wealth and to curry favour with those who possess them, but James reminds us that "if you show favouritism, you commit sin". Jesus was especially moved by the faith that the poor and needy placed in Him. The church to-day does well to remember that.

September 3rd: 13th Sunday after Pentecost
Song of Songs 2:8-13
Psalm 45:1,2,7-10
James 1:17-27
Mark 7:1-8, 14, 15, 21-23

What a vision the Song of Songs gives us of God's love--tender, warm and inviting. Can we really believe in and accept such love? Yet this is the love that Jesus came to reveal to us and that He longs to pour into our hearts. No wonder He became so impatient with the religious leaders of His day with all their niggling rules and jostling for recognition and power. But, as James reminds us, it is a love that is to be put into practice. Only then does it have power to save.

August 27th: 11th Sunday after Pentecost
I Kings 8:(1, 6, 10, 11), 22-30, 41-43
Psalm 84
Ephesians 6:10-20
John 6:56-69

Jesus has given us a whole new understanding of God's Temple. God's Temple for us now is the Temple He Himself gave us, His Son Jesus. And we, as we allow ourselves to be built up into the body of Christ, our selves become the temple of the Holy Spirit. A high calling that requires us to put on "all the armour that God gives us": truth, righteousness, the gospel message, faith and, most of all, His salvation in Jesus.

August 20th: 11th Sunday after Pentecost
I Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Psalm 111
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58

Solomon was famous for his great wisdom and this wisdom was attributed to his reverence for and obedience to God. But now, Jesus has come and He is the embodiment of God's wisdom and truth. He offers us His body and blood, His very life that we might have in us the very life of God. Good reason for us to be careful how we live and to be filled with His Holy Spirit.

August 13: 10th Sunday after Pentecost
II Samuel 18:5-9, 15,31-33
Psalm 130
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
John 6:35, 41-51

The predicted violence befalls David's family and his heart is torn as his beloved son, Absalom, is taken from him. And, yet, he still sees God as a God of love and mercy, a God who pours out His forgiveness on us, though we constantly fall short of deserving it. Rather than a God of vengeance, Jesus has helped us to know God as a God of love, who is grieved as He watches His plans for humanity being violated by strife and anger. The Holy Spirit is the mark of God's ownership on us and we are called to be instruments of His reconciling love.

August 6: The Transfiguration of the Lord
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 99
II Peter 1:16-19
Luke 9:28-36

The experience on the Mount of the Transfiguration was an overwhelming one for the disciples, to be understood only in language of Old Testament prophecies which would have been familiar to them. Thus we find some of the same language. But Peter assures us this was not something they imagined. They were eye-witnesses! What an assurance to them and to the early church as they faced persecution in the world. We need to hang on to mountain-top experiences to see us through the valleys.

July 30: 8th Sunday after Pentecost
II Samuel 11:1-15
Psalm 14
Ephesians 3:14-21
John 6:1-21

When we depart from the way of love, we depart from the way of God and His ways cease to make sense to us. Our relationship with God becomes one of distance and of fear. Thus Paul, in one of his most beautiful prayers, prays that Christ will be in our hearts, grounding our lives in love, so that we can begin to experience the nurturing depth of God's love and His power in our lives.

July 23: 7th Sunday after Pentecost
II Samuel 7:1-14a
Psalm 89:20-37
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

How tempting it is for us to decide what we are going to do with God and for God. But God cannot be contained. It is He who does the calling, the leading, the strengthening, and the healing, thus creating of His people a holy "temple", through the reconciling work of Jesus. "And all who touched him were made well."

July 16: 6th Sunday after Pentecost
II Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Psalm 24
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:14-29

Ours is a high and unattainable calling, "to be holy and blameless in His sight, to be full of love". How often we fall short of it! No wonder David was fearful about bringing the ark of the Lord, representing His presence, close to where he was living. But through the blood of Christ, we can draw close to God. His sacrifice has paid the price of our sin and enables us "to ascend the mountain of the Lord", to grow into oneness with God and with one another. Thanks be to God!

July 9: 5th Sunday after Pentecost
II Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Psalm 48
II Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-18

Jerusalem, a strongly fortified city, built on a series of hills, came to symbolize to the Jews the power of God. There they felt safe from all enemies, assured of God's closeness in His temple. Jesus revealed Himself to be our means of drawing close to God and He enables those who put their trust in Him to experience the very real power of God. As Paul discovered, that power is especially evident in our weakness, because then it is apparent that the power is not of us; it is of God and bears witness to His glory.

July 2: 4th Sunday after Pentecost
II Samuel 1:1, 17-27
Psalm 130
II Corinthians 8:7-15
Mark 5:21-43

Grief is a natural and necessary part of healing when we are faced with death and loss. David’s grief over Saul and the much-beloved Jonathan appears to encompass forgiveness for all that Saul’s folly had cost. In Jesus, we see the ultimate expression of God’s compassion as He comforts the synagogue official: “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” There can be grief without fear. Jesus’ raising of the official’s daughter, although medically explicable, prefigures His own triumph over death.

June 25: 3rd Sunday after Pentecost
I Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49
Psalm 9:9-20
II Corinthians 6:1-13
Mark 4:35-41

It is in the way we handle adversity and challenge that we bear the greatest witness to Christ's risen presence in our lives. As Jesus brought a great calm in the midst of the storm that His disciples were experiencing, He rebuked their panic, saying, "Have you no faith?" Thus Paul entreats his fellow Christians "not to accept the grace of God in vain" but to allow that grace to be effective in their lives.

June 18: 2nd Sunday after Pentecost
I Samuel 15: 34-16:13
Psalm 20
II Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13), 14-17
Mark 4:26-34

God alone knows a person’s heart and knows what He can do in and through a life. God’s choice of His leaders may not be our choice. But God does not judge as we do. Samuel grieved over the loss of Saul as God’s chosen king, but God knew what He could do in and through a devout, young shepherd. We, too, do not know all that God can do in and through us until we offer ourselves to Him.

June 11: Trinity Sunday
Isaiah 6:1-8
Psalm 29
Romans 8:12-17
John 3:1-17

What a magnificent vision Isaiah has of God's glory. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we draw near to that majesty in the most intimate of relationships in which we come to know God in the ideal relationship of child to parent, a relationship first revealed to us and made possible for us by Jesus. And so we can join with the Psalmist in giving glory to God "lost in wonder, love and praise" to Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

June 4: The Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 104:25-35, 37b
Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21
John 15:26,27, 16:4b-15

To-day we celebrate the long-awaited outpouring of God's Holy Spirit which Jesus had promised to His followers as a result of His going to be with the Father. Only a foretaste of what awaits believers in the fullness of time, the Spirit, nevertheless, fills them even now with new life, new zeal and new gifts, interceding with God on their behalf "as God himself wills" and giving glory to Jesus. Thanks be to God!

May 28: 7th Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:15-17,21-26
Psalm 1
I John 5: 9-13
John 17: 6-19

In to-day's readings we see Matthias as one who has delighted "in the law of the Lord". Because of this he is blessed, being counted among the apostles; whereas Judas, who had rebelled against that law by betraying Jesus, is cursed. That betrayal had been prophesied in Scripture and Judas chose to fulfill the prophecy. As Jesus said, "It is inevitable that scandal should occur. Nevertheless, woe to that man through whom scandal comes!" It is comforting to hear Jesus' final prayer for His followers, that God would "guard them from the evil one".

Sunday, May 21: Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 10:44-48
Psalm 98
I John 5:1-6
John 15:9-17

Even as He moved inexorably towards the cross, Jesus spoke of the joy that was inherent in His relationship with God. That “joy” is His gift to His followers who hear and receive His words. Through the gift of His Holy Spirit, they are enabled to keep His commandment: to love God and to love one another, living the life of faith.

Sunday, May 14: Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 8:26-40
Psalm 22:24-30
I John 4:7-21
John 15:1-8

Following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the Spirit soon began to move the apostles in all directions to spread the good news of salvation to all people through faith in Jesus. We, too, are exhorted to “bear much fruit” as Jesus’ disciples by helping others come to know God, allowing Jesus’ love to shine forth in all we are and do.

Sunday, May 7: Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:5-12
Psalm 23
I John 3:16-24
John 10:11-18

Our readings to-day develop the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life that His “sheep” might find nourishment, safety and shelter. He gives His word that whoever comes to God through Him will find this relationship with God, as we put our trust in Him and begin to love one another in the same way that He loves us.

Sunday, April 30: Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 3:12-19
Psalm 4
I John 3:1-7
Luke 24:36b-48

It was people who rejected God’s ways and preferred their own who sent Jesus to the cross. This makes reforming our lives a matter of urgency if we are not going to continue to crucify the Word of Life. Moreover, denying Jesus the lordship of our lives deprives us of inner wholeness, the fulfillment of all for which we were created and a deep sense of security.

Sunday, April 23: Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:32-35
Psalm 133
I John 1:1-2:2
John 20:19-31

In our capitalistic society, can we really learn to live as if nothing is our own? Can we really lay our possessions “at the apostles’ feet”, that they may be used as God wills? Can we, like Thomas, set aside our unbelief and allow the risen Christ to be Lord, to pour out His love into our hearts “that all may be one”? “For there the Lord has pronounced His blessing, life forever.” Food for thought!

April 16 – Easter Sunday
Romans 6:3-11
Matthew 28:1-20

Easter Sunday marks the triumph of God’s love over all that besets us, joy exploding out of grief. We celebrate newness of life and hope. Like Jesus’ disciples, we are unsure of where this new life will lead us, but we set out with the assurance, “Lo, I am with you always!”

April 14 – Good Friday
Job 14:1-14
I Peter 4:1-8
Matthew 27:32-66

As we focus to-day on the triumph of violence and evil and the frailty of human life, we can see much of what afflicts our world to-day. Jesus’ suffering and death compel us to look beyond the worst that this world can offer and to stand in awe of the price that evil called forth to win our redemption. May this awe move us to repentance that we might fully live in the light of that precious redemption.

April 9 – Palm Sunday
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Philippians 2:5-11
Matthew 2:1-11

It is perhaps hard for us to grasp the excitement of that first Palm Sunday: an oppressed people welcoming their saviour, reminiscent of events in Eastern Europe a few short years ago. It is perhaps easier to understand in retrospect the nature of the deliverance that Jesus was bringing. May a new awareness of that deliverance come alive in each of us this Easter.

April 2 – Lent 5
Exodus 14:19-31
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 18:21-35

The servant in Jesus’ parable, perhaps stung by the humiliation of being totally dependent on his master’s compassion, set out to reclaim some sense of personal power. Giving up a sense of personal power to learn dependence on God was the lesson the Israelites struggled with as they journeyed toward the promised land. Forgiveness challenges us to give up that sense of personal power.

March 26 – Lent 4
Genesis 28:10-19a
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

The parable of the weeds provokes the listener to self-questioning, a useful experience at any time, but especially during Lent. To what extent do we live “according to the flesh” and to what extent are we “led by the Spirit”? Are there perhaps “weeds” in each one of us that we need to identify?

March 19 – Lent 3
Genesis 12:1-9
Romans 4:13-25
Matthew 9:18-31

Like Abraham, in response to God’s call, we too are on a journey, a journey in faith. This faith grows stronger and more vibrant as it is acted upon. Those who came to Jesus for healing came in a sure faith that He was a source of abundant life. Their stories are a challenge to us to come to Jesus in the same faith and to journey with Him.

March 12 – Lent 2
Micah 6:1-8
I Corinthians 1:18-31
Matthew 5:1-12

Jesus list of those who are called “Blessed” stands earthly values on their ear. It implies there needs to be some awareness of inner brokenness in order to experience the fullness of God’s grace. We cannot impress God, nor can we know Divine Grace through intellectual endeavour.

March 5 – Lent 1
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11

In the desert, Jesus is sorely tempted to rebel against God. There is much in his temptations that is reminiscent of the testing of the Israelites in the Sinai desert. Each of Jesus’ responses is taken from the Book of Deuteronomy. But, unlike the Israelites, Jesus is victorious over the temptations. During Lent, we too need to reflect on the ways in which we are tempted to rebel against God and to avail ourselves of Jesus’ gift of grace and life.

March 1 – Ash Wednesday
Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm 103:8-18
II Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

As we begin the season of Lent, we are reminded that in the brilliant and powerful light of God’s goodness and love, justice and truth, “all our deeds are like polluted rags” (Isaiah 64:6). We are invited to empty ourselves before God, confessing our sins and our need of cleansing and renewal that we might grow a little more into the likeness of Christ.

February 26 – Last Sunday after Epiphany date
II Kings 2:1-12
Psalm 50:1-6
II Corinthians 4:3-6
Mark 9:2-9

To-day’s readings involve images of light, of shadow and of darkness. We read about those who are able to see and those who are not able to see. People have complained that Paul’s “gospel” is “veiled” and confusing. Paul replies that it is so only to those whose minds have been blinded by “the god of this present age”—a dire warning for us who live with so many distractions and increasing complexities.

Sunday, February 19: Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
Isaiah 43:18-25
Psalm 41
II Corinthians 1:18-22
Mark 2:1-12

Again we consider the question of healing and wholeness. We can be paralyzed, or at least hindered from moving forward, by all that has happened to us. But God says, “Behold, I am doing something new!” He is able to free us from all that binds us and give us new life in Jesus. Imagine the joy of the paralytic who was set free as he was willing to trust the friends who brought him to Jesus.

Sunday, February 12: Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
II Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
I Corinthians 9:24-27
Mark 1:40-45

God’s healing is offered to all people, but we need to ponder: What is it that prevents us from becoming “like a little child” in our relationship with God? Is it the pride of a Naaman? Is it a need to draw attention to ourselves like the leper who came to Jesus? Yet it was the leper’s confident faith that drew forth the deep, throbbing compassion of Jesus in response to the cry for healing: “I do will it”, as he reached out and touched him. Are we willing to allow that touch?

Sunday, February 5: Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalm 147:1-12,21c
I Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39

Our readings focus on an all-powerful God, the Creator and sustainer of all life. He gives wholeness and strength to all those who put their trust in Him. In the New Testament readings, we can sense an urgency about getting this message out to all people.

Sunday, January 29: The Presentation of the Lord
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 111
I Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28

Running through to-day’s readings is the theme of authority—the utter, absolute authority of God. Unlike human authority, the authority of God is for our benefit, seeking our highest good. To stand in awe of this authority is the beginning of wisdom.

January 22, 2006
Jonah 3:1-5,10
Psalm 62:6-14
I Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20

The readings to-day focus on the transitory nature of the world and the eternal truth of God’s kingdom, urging us to live in the light of that truth. Jesus proclaimed that the “reign of God” is actually here among us now. We can know something of God’s kingdom as we believe in the gospel and seek to live according to its dictates, bearing witness to Jesus to those around us.

Sunday, January 15: Second Sunday after the Epiphany
I Samuel 3:1-10(11-20)
Psalm 139:1-5,12-17
I Corinthians 6:12-20
John 1:43-51

We cannot hide anything from God. He knows our inmost being and calls us to account. Samuel’s trusting response is a model for us. God was able to use him in amazing ways. Paul tells us that, if we are joined with Christ, we become one with Him, members of His body, instruments of His love and mercy.

Sunday, January 8: The Baptism of our Lord/Epiphany
Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 29
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:4-11

The theme of light and dark runs through to-day’s readings. John the Baptist exhorted people to turn from the darkness of sin. But he also gave them something to which to turn: the light of Jesus, who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit, filling them with His light and truth. In Mark’s account, we see Jesus’ ministry being confirmed by God.

Sunday, January 1: Naming of Jesus
Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 72:1-7,10-14
Philippians 2:5-11
Matthew 2:1-12

The name “Jesus” carries many associations. As Messiah, He is known as “Wonderful”, “Counselor”, “Prince of Peace”, Immanuel/God With Us”. The actual name, from the Hebrew “Joshua” was interpreted to mean “Yahweh saves”. But, because He was “obedient unto death . . . upon a cross”, He has been given the name that is above every name”: “Lord”. As we invoke that name, we call down in blessing all its attributes. Let us, too, “go and search diligently for the child”.