FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
January 30, 2022
AS WE GATHER
All three Readings today declare the depth, breadth, and height of God’s love for the world. When God’s people were drifting away, God sent prophets, such as Jeremiah, to speak God’s Word and call the people back to faithfulness. God declares His love for Jeremiah: “I formed you in the womb . . . I consecrated you; I appointed you . . . I am with you to deliver you” (Jeremiah 1:5, 8). God’s love is shown forth in Jesus in the Gospel. Jesus casts out a demon from a man, thereby restoring his life. Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law, and He casts out even more demons and heals more diseases. This all points to the restoration of all creation in God’s coming kingdom. The Epistle, often read at weddings, calls us toward lives shaped by the depth, breadth, and height of God’s love for us.
BIBLE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Jeremiah 1:4–10
(The Lord calms Jeremiah’s fear with a promise.)
EPISTLE READING: 1 Corinthians 12:31b–13:13 (All about love)
HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 4:31-44 (Jesus casts out a demon and heals Peter’s mother-in-law.)