1st Sunday after Theophany
This Sunday's Summary
As Christians, we are called to remain steadfast in the truth, avoid needless quarrels, and trust Christ’s presence amid the storms of life. In the Epistle reading, St. Paul exhorts believers to be hard working and holy examples of God’s word, gently correcting those who have gone astray, reflecting the patience and humility of the Lord. This spiritual maturity equips Christians to be vessels fit for God’s service. In today's Gospel, Jesus embodies what Paul speaks. Jesus withdraws from those who seek him for their own purposes and later comes to His frightened disciples on the turbulent sea, assuring them, 'It is I; do not be afraid.' The key to becoming a vessel for God's service is to make sure the Lord is in your boat!
This Sunday's Readings
Old Testament Reading
Isaiah 61:10-62:9
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
My soul shall be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the earth brings forth its bud,
As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth,
So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace,
And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,
Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
And her salvation as a lamp that burns.
The Gentiles shall see your righteousness,
And all kings your glory.
You shall be called by a new name,
Which the mouth of the Lord will name.
You shall also be a crown of glory
In the hand of the Lord,
And a royal diadem
In the hand of your God.
You shall no longer be termed Forsaken,
Nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate;
But you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah;
For the Lord delights in you,
And your land shall be married.
For as a young man marries a virgin,
So shall your sons marry you;
And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
So shall your God rejoice over you.
I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
They shall never hold their peace day or night.
You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent,
And give Him no rest till He establishes
And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
The Lord has sworn by His right hand
And by the arm of His strength:
“Surely I will no longer give your grain
As food for your enemies;
And the sons of the foreigner shall not drink your new wine,
For which you have labored.
But those who have gathered it shall eat it,
And praise the Lord;
Those who have brought it together shall drink it in My holy courts.”
Epistle Reading
2 Timothy 2:15-26
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
Gospel Reading
John 6:15-21
Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.
Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea,got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them.Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing.So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid.But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.
This Sunday's Lesson Plans
Ages 5-8
Ages 9-14
Ages 14-17
This Sunday's Sermons & Video
This Season's Saints & Feasts
Wednesday, Jan 13
The Naming of Our Lord
Saturday, Jan 23