You Must Be a Subscriber to View This Page
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany • Year C
February 2, 2025
Click on black & white clipart (above left) or color photo-graphic (above) to view and download full resolution graphics for use on bulletin covers. Tutorials available.
Historical Collect
O God, you know the perilous choices we are prone to make that fall short of your desire for human faithfulness and obedience. Without you, our fragile nature cannot survive. Support us with your Word of truth, that we may grow in faith in the midst of our trials. Grant this, we pray, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect
Almighty God, increase in us the holy gifts of faith, hope, and love. May we never fail to exercise these gifts through which your glory is revealed to all nations. Teach us to love all people as you have commanded us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The Common Thread
There is no more authoritative preaching than the message of Christ’s love. This is the “still more excellent way,” not sappy, childish love but the mature and sacrificial love of God. We have hope in God through Christ’s great love for us. He is our rock of refuge, the one in whose righteousness we are delivered from sin and rescued from death. If we build our hope upon him, upon his sacrificial love for the world, we may fear no one and no evil.
First Reading • Jeremiah 1:4-10, 17-19
Sometimes we hear a testimony about someone’s amazing transformation. Someone had been a drug addict but is now a preacher. Another was abused and abandoned but is now a loved and loving child of God. A favorite is the celebrity who is now a Christian. Jeremiah had no such testimony. The Lord set him apart for the work of the ministry before he was born. Perhaps he has done the same thing with us. Regardless, the Lord is with us in our service for him.
Psalm • Psalm 71:1-6, 7-11
We all struggle with our faith from time to time. Here is a Psalm for the struggle. In the battles of life, God is a fortress, a rock of refuge in whom we may confidently trust for protection and deliverance. He is such a certain hope that we may return to him over and over again, continually finding him to be the rock of our salvation.
Second Reading • 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13
We should desire the best or greater gifts from the Lord. But there is a more excellent way than being a gifted teacher or prophet or church planter. There is something far better than acquiring great gifts. The more excellent way of the Spirit is love.
Gospel • Luke 4:31-44
Sometimes pastors feel like they have no authority, that the words they preach and teach have nothing behind them. Jesus taught with authority, but part of the reason for that authoritative delivery was his power to cast out demons and heal the sick. What do poor pastors have that lends authority to their teaching? Indeed. We have Christ! Preach Christ crucified and all of his miracles, power, and authority are behind every word you teach and preach. More than that, the Holy Spirit is working in your ministry. God has put his word in your mouth (Jer 1:9); do not be afraid or dismayed (Jer 1:8, 17). Preach and teach with all the authority of Christ (Titus 2:15).
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
