Wednesday, 29 January 2014

reflecting on the third sunday after epiphany

Wednesday 29th January


Where we have come from: 

readings for Third Sunday after Epiphany
Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1, 4-9
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23

Tuesday 28th January


Psalm 27:7-14 
Judges 7:12-22 
Philippians 2:12-18 


 readings for today




Psalm 27:7-14 
Genesis 49:1-2, 8-13, 21-26 
Luke 1:67-79 




thought for the day.

A curious combination: Jacob's words to two of his sons, and the song of Zechariah which we often know as the Benedictus. As an old man Jacob passes the last of his wisdom over to all his sons, in some he sees God's promise, in others more worrying possibilities. For the full picture read the whole chapter. Perhaps the enduringly surprising thing is that the oldest brothers - Reuben, Simeon and Levi, are to and passed over and the covenant promise is to be maintained primarily through Judah with a supporting role from Joseph.

The words of the benedictus are a clear link between old testament and new, in a sense they are part of the trajectory from Jacob's words for Judah, leading to Jesus's death and resurrection for the world. Many Christians say these words every day - you can perhaps see why.


No comments:

Post a Comment