The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers with Commentaries for Sunday, January 21, 2024: Third Sunday after the Epiphany

 

The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers
with Commentaries
Sunday, January 21, 2024
Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Embracing Change:
A Journey of Faith and Transformation

Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12;

1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Ordinary 3)

Call of Christ

Everyone has a call from God. Big or small, we all have an important role to play in the kingdom of God. But sometimes we don't answer his call. Will you answer?

Introduction

This week's scripture readings from Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; and Mark 1:14-20, collectively highlight the profound theme of embracing change through faith and transformation. In Jonah, we witness a reluctant prophet's journey towards obedience and the transformative power of repentance. Psalm 62 invites us into a contemplative space, emphasizing trust and rest in God amidst life's fluctuations. Paul's letter to the Corinthians, in 1 Corinthians 7, offers a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of worldly structures, urging believers to hold loosely to the present in anticipation of eternity. Finally, Mark's account of Jesus calling His first disciples illustrates an immediate and life-altering response to divine invitation. Together, these passages encourage us to view change not as a disruption but as an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper alignment with God's will.

Opening Prayer
(Psalm 62, Jonah 3, Mark 1)

Heavenly Father, our Rock and Redeemer, we come before You with hearts yearning for Your grace, inspired by the words of Psalm 62. In the stillness of Your presence, we seek refuge, for You alone are our rock and our salvation, our fortress where we will never be shaken. As we stand in Your love and grace, we cast away our burdens and find peace in Your unshakeable strength. Teach us to trust in You at all times, O Lord, pouring out our hearts to You, for You are our refuge.

Lord, just as You showed mercy in the story of Jonah 3, we pray for a heart of compassion and forgiveness. Help us to embrace Your call to repentance and renewal, recognizing Your boundless mercy and readiness to forgive. Lead us in the paths of righteousness, guiding us to be agents of Your love and grace in this world. And as in Mark 1, where Jesus proclaimed the good news of God saying, "The time has come," let us also be mindful of the urgency of Your message, ready to follow You and to spread Your word of hope and salvation to all corners of the earth. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Prayer of Confession
(Jonah 3, Mark 1)

Heavenly Father, we come before You in humility, recognizing our own waywardness and the times we have turned from Your path. Like Jonah, we confess our reluctance and hesitation to follow Your calling, often choosing our comfort over Your command. Forgive us, Lord, for our disobedience and the moments when we have run from Your presence instead of embracing Your divine purpose for our lives.

Lord Jesus, as we reflect on the message of Mark 1, we acknowledge our need for repentance and the renewal of our hearts and minds. You came proclaiming the Good News, calling us to repent and believe. We confess our slowness to trust and our quickness to doubt. Renew in us a steadfast spirit, and guide us to live lives that truly reflect Your love and grace. In Your mercy, lead us back to the path of righteousness, that we may walk in Your ways and be lights in the world, spreading the Good News as You have commanded. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon
(Jonah 3, Mark 1)

Just as Jonah's message led Nineveh to repentance, and as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, so too are we called to turn from our ways and embrace the grace offered to us.

In Christ, our past is not our destiny. Our mistakes are not our identity. For God, rich in mercy, meets our repentance with open arms and a forgiving heart. In Jesus, we are not only forgiven but also renewed, set on a path of transformation and love.

Therefore, let us rejoice, for in Jesus Christ, we are pardoned. In Him, our sins are washed away, and we are invited into a life of abundant grace and endless mercy. Amen.

Today’s Lectionary Readings
First Reading
From the Book of the Twelve
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Repentance and Redemption in Nineveh

Jonah

Jonah's reluctance to go to Nineveh, as described in Jonah 3:1-5, 10, reflects our own hesitations to follow paths we'd rather avoid. Disobeying initially, Jonah represents the conflict we face when divine direction challenges our comfort zones. This passage emphasizes the importance of repentance and God's mercy, following Jonah's journey from fleeing to fulfilling God's command to preach in Nineveh. His eventual obedience, combined with the impactful response of the Ninevites, highlights the profound effect of repentance and the endless scope of God's forgiveness. This narrative serves as a reminder that God is with us even in our own Ninevahs, encouraging us to respond positively when called to challenging situations.

3 1 Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

3 Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. 4 Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” 5 The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.

Commentary

Verse 1-2 (God's Second Call to Jonah): This section marks a pivotal moment where God reiterates His command to Jonah, emphasizing His relentless pursuit and the importance of second chances. The directive to announce His message in Nineveh signifies the gravity of the impending judgment and the urgency of Jonah's mission.

Verse 3 (Jonah's Obedience): Jonah's compliance this time contrasts starkly with his initial disobedience. This shift underlines a critical theme in biblical narratives: the transformative power of encountering God and the importance of aligning one's actions with divine will.

Verse 4 (Jonah's Proclamation): The brevity of Jonah's message, yet its profound impact, highlights the power of God's word to provoke deep reflection and change. This verse illustrates the potential of a simple yet earnest call to righteousness to resonate within the hearts of people.

Verse 5 (Nineveh's Collective Repentance): The immediate and collective response of the Ninevites is striking. Their belief in God and subsequent actions, from the greatest to the least among them, underscore the narrative's focus on the universality of God's call to repentance and the accessibility of His mercy.

Verse 10 (God's Compassionate Response): The verse concludes the passage with a note of divine mercy. God's readiness to relent from the promised destruction upon witnessing their genuine repentance emphasizes His deep compassion and willingness to forgive, reinforcing the central message of hope and redemption.

This passage, while brief, is a powerful testament to the themes of repentance, divine mercy, and the transformative impact of heeding God's call. It serves as a reminder of the boundless grace available to all who turn to God with a sincere heart.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 62:5-12
Unshakable Trust in God's Steadfast Love

Psalm 62:5-12 is a beautiful and profound passage that resonates with themes of trust, strength, and the unwavering love of God. In these verses, the psalmist, traditionally believed to be King David, expresses a deep sense of reliance and confidence in God, even amidst trials and uncertainties. This portion of the Psalm emphasizes the importance of finding solace and strength in God's character, rather than in worldly assurances or human power. It's a reminder that our true security and hope lie in God alone, who is our rock, our salvation, and our fortress.

5    Yes, my soul, find rest in God; *
        My hope comes from him.

6    Truly he is my rock and my salvation; *
        He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7    My salvation and my honor depend on God; *
        He is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8    Trust in him at all times, you people; *
       Pour out your hearts to him,
            for God is our refuge.

9    Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
            the highborn are but a lie. *
        If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
            together they are only a breath.

10  Do not trust in extortion
            or put vain hope in stolen goods; *
       Though your riches increase,
            do not set your heart on them.

11  One thing God has spoken,
            two things I have heard: *
        “Power belongs to you, God,

12  And with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; *
        And, “You reward everyone
            according to what they have done.”

Heavenly Father, in the stillness of Your presence, I find my rest in You, as Psalm 62:5-12 reminds me. You alone are my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I shall never be shaken. In moments of uncertainty, I look to You, Lord, for my hope comes from You.

Teach me to trust in Your power and love, as You are my mighty rock and refuge. Guide my heart to pour out all my concerns before You, for in Your hands, my honor and life are secure.

Help me to see the fleeting nature of worldly wealth and status, reminding me that power belongs to You, O God. May I always remember Your unfailing love and that You reward everyone according to what they have done.

In Your grace, strengthen my faith and deepen my reliance on Your steadfast love and justice. May my life be a testament to Your glory and goodness. Amen.

Second Reading
From the Epistles
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
The Transience of the World

In this passage from 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, the Apostle Paul delivers a profound message about the fleeting nature of life and the world as we know it. Addressing the Corinthian church, Paul highlights the urgency of living with an eternal perspective, emphasizing that the present form of this world is passing away. This scripture invites believers to re-evaluate their attachments to worldly matters, urging them to focus on their relationship with God and the eternal values of the Kingdom of Heaven. It serves as a timeless reminder of the transient nature of earthly joys, possessions, and experiences, pointing towards a deeper, spiritual reality that transcends the temporal.

7 29 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

Commentary

Verse 29a (The Urgency of Time): Paul begins by stressing the brevity of time, suggesting that believers should live with an acute awareness of life’s temporal nature. This perspective is not meant to evoke fear but to inspire a purposeful and prioritized life centered around faith and God’s will.

Verse 29b (The Perspective on Relationships): Paul’s advice to those who are married (or in other relationships) is to maintain a balance between their earthly ties and their spiritual commitments. He encourages a detachment from overdependence on human relationships, reminding believers that their primary allegiance is to God.

Verse 30 (The Attitude towards Joy and Sorrow): This verse addresses human emotions and experiences, advocating for a moderated approach to both joys and sorrows. Paul suggests that believers should neither be overly elated by life’s pleasures nor excessively saddened by its pains, as both are transient.

Verse 31a (The View of Material Possessions): Paul warns against a deep entanglement with material goods and societal status. He implies that an excessive focus on worldly possessions can distract from spiritual growth and the pursuit of God’s kingdom.

Verse 31b (The Constant Reminder of Eternity): The overarching message of this passage is the impermanence of the world and everything in it. Paul’s words serve as a reminder to believers to live with an eternal perspective, valuing spiritual truths over temporal realities.

In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 calls Christians to a life of spiritual vigilance and eternal focus. It is a powerful exhortation to live in the world but not be consumed by it, to cherish earthly relationships and experiences while keeping the eyes of faith firmly fixed on the everlasting kingdom of God.

Today’s Gospel Reading
Mark 1:14-20
The Call of the First Disciples

In Mark 1:14-20, we witness the beginning of Jesus' public ministry following the arrest of John the Baptist. This passage marks a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Mark, introducing the central message of Jesus' teachings and the formation of his initial group of disciples. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Galilean countryside, where Jesus, with a message of repentance and the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls ordinary fishermen to follow him. This call to discipleship is not just a call to belief, but to action and transformation.

1 14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.

19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Commentary

Verses 14-15 (Jesus' Message): The passage begins with Jesus proclaiming the good news of God. His message is one of urgency and transformation: "The time has come," he says, "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" This proclamation sets the tone for his entire ministry, emphasizing the immediacy of God's kingdom and the need for a response of both repentance and faith.

Verses 16-17 (The Call of Simon and Andrew): As Jesus walks beside the Sea of Galilee, he encounters Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake. His call to them is simple yet profound: "Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people." This invitation to discipleship is metaphorical, transforming their daily work into a spiritual mission. The immediacy of their response, leaving their nets at once, signifies a total commitment to Jesus.

Verses 19-20 (The Call of James and John): Continuing along the shore, Jesus sees James and John in a boat with their father, preparing their nets. He calls them, and they too respond immediately, leaving their father and the boat to follow Jesus. This decision illustrates the cost of discipleship, as it involves leaving behind one's previous life and priorities.

In summary, Mark 1:14-20 encapsulates the essence of Jesus' ministry and the radical nature of his call to discipleship. It challenges readers to consider the immediacy and transformative power of Jesus' message, as well as the willingness to leave everything behind to follow him. This passage serves as a foundational model for Christian discipleship, emphasizing both the personal commitment to Jesus and the shift from self-centered living to a life centered on the kingdom of God and its purposes.

Here end the Readings

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed

• We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

• And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.

• And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord's Prayer - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Communion

 

Holy Communion
A nondenominational serving of bread and wine

Though no video can truly replace the experience of celebrating together in our places of worship, we know that where two or more are gathered, the Lord is present. This table is open to all who recognize Jesus Christ as healer and redeemer. This table is open to all who work to bring God’s Kingdom here on earth. No one is turned away because of life circumstances. No one is barred from this table. No one seeking God’s abundant grace and mercy is turned aside. We see before us the abundance that a life of faith offers as we respond to God’s everlasting mercy in prayer and deed.

Communion Prayer
(Philippians 2)

Heavenly Father, as we gather to partake in Communion, we are reminded of Your Son's profound humility and obedience. Just as Jesus humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death on a cross, we too humble ourselves before You and each other.

Lord, in this sacred moment, let us embrace the mind of Christ. Teach us to value others above ourselves, not looking to our own interests but to the interests of others. As we share this bread, symbolic of Christ's body, and this cup, representative of His blood, may we be united in Your love and purpose.

Strengthen our bonds of fellowship and deepen our commitment to serve as Jesus served. May this act of Communion be a testament to our collective desire to follow Christ's example, working together with one spirit and one purpose.

Through this holy sacrament, renew our hearts and minds, aligning them with Your will. Help us to shine as lights in the world, holding firmly to the word of life.

We give thanks for the ultimate sacrifice of Your Son, our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ, whose love and grace are ever present in our lives.

In Jesus' Name, we pray, Amen.

Benediction
(Jonah 3, Mark 1)

May you find guidance and redemption as Jonah did in the depths of the sea, embracing God's mercy and second chances. Just as he rose from the whale to proclaim repentance in Nineveh, may you rise from your trials with renewed purpose.

As John the Baptist prepared the way in the wilderness, baptizing in the River Jordan, may your path be prepared by the Spirit's guidance. As Jesus was baptized and affirmed as God's beloved, so may you feel the embrace of divine love and acceptance.

In your journey, remember Jonah's lesson of compassion and God's boundless grace. And in the spirit of Mark 1, be ever ready for the Good News, living a life of service, humility, and love. Amen.

If Jesus Returned Today

The question IS NOT WHEN WILL Jesus Return? IT IS what will we do BEFORE He gets here?

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets].

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Commentaries by Kenny Sallee, ThM.

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, January 21, 2024
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Embracing Change: A Journey of Faith and Transformation
1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20]; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51
Today's scripture readings collectively highlight the profound theme of embracing change through faith and transformation. In Jonah, we witness a reluctant prophet's journey towards obedience and the transformative power of repentance. Psalm 62 invites us into a contemplative space, emphasizing trust and rest in God amidst life's fluctuations. Paul's letter to the Corinthians, in 1 Corinthians 7, offers a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of worldly structures, urging believers to hold loosely to the present in anticipation of eternity. Finally, Mark's account of Jesus calling His first disciples illustrates an immediate and life-altering response to divine invitation. Together, these passages encourage us to view change not as a disruption but as an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper alignment with God's will.