First Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm: Psalm 19
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Gospel: Luke 4:14-21

“May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in your
sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.” Amen.

In the epistle today, Paul introduces the metaphor of the Church as Christ’s One
Body. It is a good metaphor, because we understand the different parts of our body
performing different functions, yet together all the parts make up our whole body. Every
member of the body is important, and makes the body complete and whole. The body
does not function perfectly when one part is infected, laying down on the job, or missing.
Modern science tests this metaphor when we consider those who live without an
appendix, or gall bladder. Due to disease or tragedy, some have lost limbs or sight or
have mechanical body parts. Certainly life can continue in these circumstances, but life
is different as the body has changed. Even the most seemingly ins...

                                                                   First Reading            Isaiah 43:1-7

                                                                   Psalm                         Psalm 29

                                                                   Second Reading      Acts 8:14-17...

First Reading            Isaiah 60:1-6

Psalm                         Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

Second Reading      Ephesians 3:1-12

Gospel                       Matthew 2:1-12

"All kings shall bow down before him, and all the nations do him service. For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, and the oppressed who has no helper. He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; he shall preserve the lives of the needy. He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, and dear shall their blood be in his sight."  In the name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

            When we say someone has an epiphany, it usually means a sudden revelation or insight. Epiphany can describe an ‘AHA!’ or...