Epiphany 4A
February 3, 2008 - Roman Catholic
Not used in 2008 - RCL

Please consider your sponsorship or support of The Text This Week.

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources for each individual pericope:

Micah 6:1-8
Roman Catholic reading: Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13

Psalm 15
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Roman Catholic reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Matthew 5:1-12

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings (NCCB/USCC) from the New American Bible.
  • Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary: Traditional BCP - RCL.
  • The Roman Catholic Lectionary for Mass (1998 USA Edition). At Felix Just S.J.'s The Roman Catholic Lectionary For Mass - a site featuring comprehensive tables of editions of the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
  • Lutheran lectionary calendar, Year A, from the ELCA site.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings.
  • Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year A.
  • Free Church version for Baptist, Reformed, and Congregational use Revised Common Lectionary Readings.
  • ELCIC Worship Planning Calendar, lectionary citations with and without hymn suggestions, text and pdf formats.
  • Lutheran RCL CEV readings - .doc files. Lutheran Bible Ministries.
• Images and Movies:
  • Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Sermon on the Mount
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Nonviolence
    • Peace (Rest)
    • Doers of the Word
    • Righteousness
    • Justice/Injustice
    • Mercy/Grace
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Epiphany 4, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Ordinary 4, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Epiphany 4, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Helps (Epiphany 4). Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2005.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Epiphany 4A, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Readings, Analysis of Text and Preaching Paths, Epiphany 4, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Lectionary Analysis, Epiphany 4, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada. At Richard Fairchild's Sermon & Sermon - Lectionary Resources.
  • SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Text Studies, Epiphany 4, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • "Good News for Broken, Beaten, Fickle People," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2008.
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • Daily Reflection, Ordinary 4, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2008.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Epiphany 4. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2005.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2005.
  • "Blessing as Freedom," Pilgrim Preaching, Keeping company with biblical texts and the people who hear and preach them, a weblog for preaching, by Mary Hinkle, Luther Seminary.
  • "The World Turned Upside Down," James A. Kelsey, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2005.
  • "Why Richard Is Wrong," a response to atheist Richard Dawkins on the tsunami disaster, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2005.
  • "Eavesdropping," Barbara Lemmel. The Christian Century, January, 1999. At Religion Online.
  • "Epiphany 4A: Quarrels and Community," Merechristian.org, an online journal by the Rev. J. Barry Vaughn, Ph.D.
  • "Remembering Who We Are," by Kari Jo Verhulst. Living the Word lectionary-based scripture commentary from Sojourners Online, 2002.
  • Living the Word, by Jim and Shelley Douglass. Lectionary-based scripture commentary at Sojourners Online, 1996.
  • Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year A. Prepared by the Reverend Michael Pollesel, Stewardship Education Coordinator, Diocese of Ontario.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.
  • Micah 6:1-8 / Zephaniah 2:3 - 3:13
  • Psalm 15
  • 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
  • Matthew 5:1-12
• Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • "The Challenges and Blessings Disabilities Bring," Mental Health & Disabilities Program, Mennonite Central Committee, Canada.
  • Blest Are They - Epiphany 4A - 30 January 2005, Samuel D. Zumwalt, Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Taking Care of Each Other," Pat Conover, Seeker's Church, 2005.
  • Selected sermon, Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, by the Rev. Ben E. Helmer in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2005.
  • "Movers and Shakers," Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2005.
  • "Keynoting Discipleship II," John R Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2002.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • Lectionary Notes, Epiphany 4, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • "Beatitudes in the Desert," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Sermon on the Mount," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2008.
  • "Who Are the Meek?" study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Consumerism," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003.
  • "Extreme Virtues," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Prophetic Ethics," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003.
  • "Prophetic Mysticism," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Mysticism," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2005.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Epiphany 4A, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Bible Study - Ordinary Time 4 - verse by verse Roman Catholic lectionary commentary at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS.
  • Light on the Lessons, Lutheran Bible Ministries. .doc file leaders guide and participant guide for group study of the weekly lectionary readings.
• A list of links to on-line Bibles and general Bible study resources.
• A list of links to scholarly and preaching discussion groups and their homepages.
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.

OnLine Worship and Liturgy Resources

• The Text This Week's Epiphany Resources Page.
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Epiphany 4): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2005.
  • Liturgies Online, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 4, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • LCA Worship Resources, Epiphany 4A, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Epiphany 4A. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, The Uniting Church of St James Curtin, ACT.
  • "Forward! Carry On!" Ordinary 4, 2005. A New Presentation for Sunday's Liturgy, Claretian Communications, Philippines. Includes Flash presentation.
  • Fourth Sunday Ordinary Time, The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2008.
  • Resources for Black History Month at Bass Mitchell's Special Days and Services site.
  • Sermons and Liturgies for Year A, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada:
    • "Where We Meet God and Where God Meets Us"
    • "That Which God Has Chosen"
    • "Prescriptions and Descriptions"
• Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
  • Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, Epiphany 4, by Nathan Nettleton, South Yarra Community Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia. Prayers, blessings, Eucharistic prefaces and scripture paraphrases.
  • Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • The Billabong, Epiphany 4, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
  • Prayers of the People, Year A - Epiphany 4/OT4. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Lector's Notes, Ordinary 4, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Outside the Box, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church, by Katherine Hawker.
  • Creative Closing, Ordinary 4, George Hartwell, at Richard J. Fairchild's Sermon & Lectionary Resources.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 4, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
• Graphics & Multimedia:
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • Clip Art, Ordinary 4, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Matthew 5:1-12, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Ordinary 4 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Follows Latin American Roman Catholic gospel reading, though most gospels texts/themes are found in the index. Liberation emphasis.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year A index.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Epiphany 4, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada. At Richard Fairchild's Sermon & Sermon - Lectionary Resources.
  • "Hungry? Thirsty?" reflection by Dorette Saunders, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
• Hymns and Music:
  • "God, With Joy We Look Around Us," original hymn for Race Relations Sunday by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. Tune:  REGENT SQUARE   "Angels, from the Realms of Glory"
  • "Rejoice, Friends, and Be Delighted!" TEXT: Mark Ryman (2005) based on Matthew 5:1-12. TUNE: "Wycliff." New Hymns for the Lectionary.
  • "How Shall I Come Before the Lord," A New Hymn Based on Micah 6:6-8, Dean McIntyre, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, Ordinary 4, CanticaNova Publications.
  • Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
  • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
  • The Billabong, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
  • Traditional Hymns for Blended and Contemporary Worship Volume One: Advent-Christmas-Epiphany, by Dean McIntyre, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts.
  • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Epiphany 4A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 4, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Lectionary Puzzles, Epiphany 4. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
  • Gospel Puzzles for the Lectionary, Epiphany 4A, Mark Ryman, edoxy.com.
• With Children (see also listings "With Children" at individual scripture pages, linked above):
  • "God's Team," Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies. Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
  • Proclaiming Faith, Epiphany 4A, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Ideas and Talks for Epiphany, Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
• Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.