This week we explore Epiphany 3 (January 24) – a wonderful set of readings that remind us of the purpose of God in Christ, and of our role, as Christ’s body, in continuing Christ’s liberating work.

READINGS:
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10: Ezra reads the book of the law to the people. They respond in remorse, but Nehemiah encourages them to be joyful and to celebrate.

Psalm 19: A celebration of God’s word spoken through creation, and bringing great benefit to those who listen and obey it.

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a: Paul teaches that the Christian community is like a body with many parts. Each has a gift, and each must use their unique gift for the benefit of the body. The Body of Christ.

Luke 4:14-21: Jesus reads from Isaiah’s scroll about God’s anointing for ministry, and God’s liberating work through God’s anointed. Then, he claims this prophecy for himself.

REFLECTIONS ON THEME:
In a world that can sometimes seem so random, this week in Epiphany gives us a vision of purpose. God’s purpose – God’s message – spoken to God’s people in the book of the law, and through all of creation – was the guiding force in Jesus’ ministry. As he began his work, he proclaimed as his mandate the words of Isaiah’s prophecy – God’s saving and liberating “Jubilee” purpose. Now, as those who follow Christ, we are called, individually and together, to fulfil Christ’s purpose, in our world and in our time. To do this, God has gifted each of us, and called us to work together as one Body.

CONNECTING WITH LIFE:
GLOBAL APPLICATION: The idea of having a sense of purpose – of calling – is one with a chequered history in the global community. Too many corrupt and tyrannical leaders have become so because they felt that they were somehow given a special purpose by God, and that God was on their side, and against their enemies. The time for this kind of “destiny” talk is over. However, the purpose of Christ, revealed in the Isaiah prophecy, is one that God calls us all to participate in. This liberating, compassionate, transforming vision is one that impacts every thing we do, and is one to which we can hold our leaders accountable. As we face global economic, climatological and other challenges this year, let’s allow a renewed vision of Christ, and of Christ’s purpose, to guide our social conscience and activism.

LOCAL APPLICATION: In every community are those who need liberation – the poor who need good news, the physically, psychologically or spiritually blind who need sight, the prisoners who need to be freed. Who are these people in your church and in your community? The purpose of Christ is both an invitation to life for all the broken and lost ones (including us), but also a challenge to participate in the work of liberation for those who choose to follow Jesus. How can you work within your world to commit to Christ’s purpose so that to those among you, you may also say (collectively) “today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing”?

RESOURCES FOR WORSHIP:
Prayers:
The Way Forward
The Way

Hymn Suggestions:
Jesus, Joy Of Our Desiring
Now Thank We All Our God
Christ Whose Glory Fills The Sky
All Ears (New Hymn.com)
Jubilee
Beautiful News
You Do All Things Well
Take It To The Streets
God Of Justice
I Will Follow Him (Sister Act)

Liturgy:
A Liturgy for the Foretaste of the Heavenly Banquet (Relates well to the theme of hope and the purpose that flows from it)

Video Suggestions:
Body of Christ
Plass on Being Part of the Community
What Is Your Purpose
Missing Purpose

Image Suggestions:
All of these images focus on paths or roads and can be used to evoke the idea of Jesus’ mission/purpose as the “way” we are called to follow.
Forest Path
Road
Forest Bridge