Epiphany 4B
January 28, 2024
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The Rev. Dr. Dinah Dutta
in thanksgiving for the work of Jenee Woodard
Image: Calling Disciples,
He Qi
, from Art in the Christian Tradition,
a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.
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Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:
Psalm 111
Roman Catholic reading:
Psalm 95:1-9
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Roman
Catholic reading: 1 Corinthians
7:32-35
Reading and Studying the Text This Week
- Texts:
- NRSV Lectionary readings from Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible.
- 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.
- Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
- Leccionario Dominical La Iglesia Episcopal Ministerio Latino Hispano, Año B.
- Lutheran lectionary readings, Year B, from the ELCA site.
- United Methodist lectionary readings, Year B.
- Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year B.
- 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.
- PCUSA - Daily/Weekly Lectionary Readings.
- Images and Movies:
- Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
- In the various films about exorcism casting out a demon is not so easily accomplished by those who follow Jesus, especially in The Exorcism of Emily Rose.
- Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
- Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
- Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2015.
- Preaching This Week commentaries of RCL texts at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2015.
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, illustration ideas, 2018.
- Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2018.
- Faith in Process, Bruce Epperly, 2018.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Ordinary 4, 2015. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- "Separating a Man from His Cage," D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2015.
- With Authority/Power to Do, Kathryn Matthews Huey, SAMUEL, UCC, 2015.
- Points for Preaching and Teaching, 2015. The Lectionary Lab, Epiphany 4, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2012.
- Disclosing New Worlds, commentary and reflections, Lawrence Moore, 2015. Preaching the Healing Narratives in Mark.
- Evangelectionary, Peter Bush, Evangelism Connections, 2015.
- The Adventurous Lectionary, Bruce Epperly, 2018.
- Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- Ministry Matters, February 1, 2015.
- Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2015.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Epiphany 4, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Jesus Now, Epiphany 4B. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
- Rumors, for February 1, 2009, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
- Social Justice Lectionary, links by Rev. Dr. Bruce Sweet.
- Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
- 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. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
- Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
- Sermon Brainwave, Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org. 2015.
- Richard Bryant, Food for Thought, 2018.
- Radical Discipleship.Net, "The Wild Lectionary," curated by Laurel Dykstra.
- RevGalBlogPals, commentary and discussion, 2018. Saturday Night Preachers Party.
- Earthkeeper's Preaching, 2018.
- Theology of Work, 2018.
- "Draughting Theology," Steve Pankey, 2018. Daily reflections and study for Sunday.
- Homily Week, 2018.
- The Reflectionary, images, reflections, activities, Fay Rowland, 2018.
- Sunday Scripture Podcast, Joe Cate and friends, 2018.
- Reading in Church & Other Distractions Podcast, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, 2018
- LectioCast - Homebrewed Christianity, 2018.
- "What I'm Thinking," Eric Anderson, You Tube, RSS, Playlist, 2018.
- "Crackers & Grape Juice," 2018.
- Pray As You Can, Reflections, commentary, prayer, poems, etc., Kym Harris, Diocese of Rockhampton, 2018
- Lectio Divina Podcast, Todd Spencer, 2018.
- HuffPost Religion, religion news and contemporary news in religious perspective. Always worth a read...
- Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2018.
- Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2018.
- Lectionary Poetry, Scott Barton, 2018.
- One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2018
- Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 2018.
- The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2018.
- Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2018.
- Weekly Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains. 2018
- Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2018.
- Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2018.
- The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2018.
- SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2018.
- Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck, 2018.
- "First Things First," David Lose, ..in the Meantime... 2015.
- "Exorcisms for Our Day," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2015
- "Blessing for a Whole Heart," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2015. Use of images.
- RCL commentary and discussion, RevGalBlogPals, 2015.
- "There Is No Them," Dan Clendenin, The Journey with Jesus, 2015. 2009.
- "The Unclean Spirit Challenges Jesus," Andrew King, 2015.
- "Authority and Authenticity," Suzanne Guthrie, At The Edge of the Enclosure, 2015.
- "Mark Is In a Race to Drop the Mic," Mike Stavlund, Question the Text, 2015.
- "The Good Life: Psalm 111 and Stewardship," Sharron Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2015.
- "Prophetic Veracity," Sermon Stories for Epiphany 4, 2015.
- "Teaching, the Jesus Way," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2015.
- "As One Possessed: Recognizing Jesus," Janet H. Hunt, 2015.
- "Disturbing Authority," Thomas Beam, 2015.
- "Monsters under the Bed," Linda Fabian Pepe, Theolotical Stew, 2015.
- Care for Creation Commentary, Dennis Ormseth, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2015.
- Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2015.
- Visions from the Catacombs, Catacomb Churches, 2015.
- "Conveying Authority," Lynn Miller, Art & Faith Matters, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
- "True Authority," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2015.
- Lectionary Notes, Beth Quick, 2015.
- Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2018.
- "The Accidental Prophet and Healer," Bob Stuhlmann, Stories from a Priestly Life, 2015.
- "Jesus of Nazareth Went to Capernaum," poetry, Scott L. Barton, 2015.
- Dylan's Lectionary Blog. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2006.
- The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2006.
- Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
- Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year B. Prepared by the Reverend Michael Pollesel, Stewardship Education Coordinator, Diocese of Ontario.
- Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked
in listings at top of page):
- "Building up, not puffing up the church," Katerina K. Whitley, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network, 2015.
- 4 Epifanía (B) – 2015 por el Revdo. John J. Lynch, Sermones que Iluminan, 2015.
- "The Law of Love," Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustrations.
- Ministry Matters, February 1, 2015.
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2015.
- "A Space with a Different Spirit," Epiphany 4B, Revd Dr. Lance Stone, Emmanuel United Reformed Church, Cambridge, 2009.
- "Sermon for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany," the Rt. Rev. William Burrill, Day 1, 2000.
- Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- Points for Preaching and Teaching, 2015. The Lectionary Lab, Epiphany 4, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2012.
- Bible Study, Epiphany 4B, 2015, Susan Butterworth, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network.
- Estudio de la Biblia. Epiphinía 4B, por Susan Butterworth, Sermones que Iluminan, Episcopal Digital Network, 2015.
- Lectionary Notes, Epiphany 4, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
- "Jesus as Healer," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Health," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2007. (Mark 1)
- "Sharing Wisdom as an Act of Love," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Where Wisdom is Found," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2009. (Psalm 111) Focus article, "Sharing Wisdom as an Act of Love," David Lyle Jeffrey.
- "An Attitude of Discipleship: Openness," John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2009.
- 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:
- Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2015.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2015. (Terms of Use)
- Life in Liturgy, Disciples of Christ, 2018.
- Sacredise, 2018.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Epiphany 3B, 2015, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Life in Liturgy, Disciples of Christ, 2015.
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Epiphany +4, 2015, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship".
- Mustard Seeds, "Power and Authority," Epiphany 4B, 2015. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Worship Resources, Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution, 2015.
- Ministry Matters, February 1, 2015.
- The Worship Closet, Epiphany 4B, Creative Worship Ideas, 2012.
- Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Epiphany 4B, 2012. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 4 - Epiphany 4, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Sermons and Liturgies for Year B, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada.
- Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
- Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, 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.
- Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
- "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
- Prayer for Epiphany 4, Healing Prayers, MomPriest, RevGalBlogPals, 2009.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 111, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2015.
- Call to Worship, January 29, 2012, Mary Jane Konings, Timaru, New Zealand.
- Prayers of the People for All Epiphany, Rick Morley, 2012.
- Starters for Sunday, 2015. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, 2015. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2015. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
- World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
- Worship Ways, prayers and liturgical resources. UCC. Español.
- Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2015.
- Prayers of the People, Richard J. Einerson, sample prayers from Prayers of the People: Pastoral Prayers for Worship and Personal Devotion.
- Liturgy Link, liturgy collaboration, 2015.
- "Authority and Authenticity," Suzanne Guthrie, At The Edge of the Enclosure, 2015.
- Prayers of the People, Epiphany 4B, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 2015.
- Confession RCL, Bill Wessner, 2015.
- Evangelectionary, Peter Bush, Evangelism Connections, 2015.
- Point of Contact - Where Life and Worship Intersect, Julie Gvillo, Call to Worship is published on Tuesday mornings. The Confession piece is published on Wednesday mornings. And the Prayers of the People is published on Friday mornings.
- Reclaim Weekly Worship Prayers, 2018.
- Liturgical Resources, (Ir)revBrent, 2018
- Engage Worship, 2018.
- Graphics & Multimedia:
- Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
- HermanoLeón Clipart, Ordinary 4. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
- Clip Art Images: Mark 1:21-28, 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.
- Clip Art, Ordinary B4, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
- Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
- Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year B index.
- Mustard Seeds, "Power and Authority," Epiphany 4B, 2015. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts.
- Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
- In the various films about exorcism casting out a demon is not so easily accomplished by those who follow Jesus, especially in The Exorcism of Emily Rose.
- Bag of Candy, Dollar Store Children's Sermon, John Stevens, 2015.
- "The Superbowl and the Church in a Culture of Dominance: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13," Matthew L. Skinner, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2015. Video: 5 Things You Didn't Know About America and Violence.
- Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
- "Jesus of Nazareth Went to Capernaum," Scott Barton, tune from Mozart Piano Sonata no. 11 in A Major, K.331, Arranged by Dr. Arthur Frackenpohl.
- "Awesome," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
- Hymns of the Spirit Three, Epiphany 4B, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
- Hymn and Song Suggestions, Epiphany 4B, 2015, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
- You Call That Church Music? alternative music planning blog for church musicians following the RCL (with videos), Ann Strickland, 2015.
- Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2015.
- Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
- Lectionary Hymns, Ordinary 4B, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
- Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
- The Billabong by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
- Choral Anthem Project, Ordinary 4B, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
- Sing for Joy, Epiphany 4, 2009. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
- Starters for Sunday, 2015. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, 2015. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2015. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
- Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
- With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- Worshiping with Children, Epiphany 4B, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2015, 2012.
- "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," Union Presbyterian Seminary.
- Children's Sermon, Faith Formation Journeys, 2018.
- "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
- Bag of Candy, Dollar Store Children's Sermon, John Stevens, 2015.
- Ministry Matters, Epiphany 4B, 2015.
- Faith Formation Journeys, Epiphany 4B, childrens sermon, 2012.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2015. (Terms of Use)
- Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual
scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- Weekly Devotion Page, Faith Formation Journeys, 2018.
- CatholicMom.com: Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, and Word Search based on weekly gospel text.
- Activity Sheets for Children, Fun for all Creatures Great & Small, UCC, 2010. (pdf)
- Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of page.)
- Lectionary Puzzles by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text (html) formats.
- 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.
