January 15, 2008
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Epiphany means "manifestation" or "appearance." The liturgical season of Epiphany begins on January 6 with the manifestation of the child Jesus to the three magi from the East. In subsequent Sundays, the Gospels show Christ made manifest in his public ministries.
THEME FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
Today's Gospel shows Jesus manifested to John the Baptist and then to two of John's disciples, Simon Peter and Andrew. John's ministry gives way to the ministry of Jesus. In the Collect, we pray: "Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen."
The reading from Isaiah highlights God's calling of the Messiah: "The LORD called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified."
Psalm 40 speaks of the many ways that God guides and inspires the Messiah: "He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many shall see, and stand in awe, and put their trust in the LORD. Happy are they who trust in the LORD! they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods."
The letter to the Corinthians conveys Paul's thanksgiving for God's goodness: "I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind -- just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you -- so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The Gospel passage records the testimony of John the Baptist: "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! ... I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God." John's testimony was enough to encourage two of his disciples, Simon Peter and Andrew, to leave John and to follow Jesus. The Gospel recounts, "They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day."
Like John the Baptist, we are called to find Christ in our lives and to make his teachings known. Like Andrew and Simon Peter, we are called to remain with Christ and let our relationship with the Savior grow in power and strength.
This weekend we mark the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a modern-day John the Baptist who proclaimed Christ's teachings of justice and equality for all of God's children. Like John, Martin was a prophet crying in the wilderness. Like John, he was killed because he angered people with his teaching. Like John, his message lives on to inspire later generations. May we rededicate ourselves to complete the work of Dr. Martin Luther King and fulfill the dream of equality for all people.
I invite you to join us for our worship services this weekend: the Celtic Holy Eucharist Saturday at 5:00 pm, the Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing Sunday at 10:30 am, and the Sunday Evening Contemplative Holy Eucharist at 6:00 pm.
Sincerely,
David A. Killian
Rector
* * * * *
Worship Services for the the Second Sunday after the Epiphany, January 19-20, 2008
Saturday, January 19, at 5:00 pm: Preacher: The Rev. David A. Killian
Sunday, January 20, at 10:30 am: Preacher: The Rev. David A. Killian
Sunday, January 20, at 6:00 pm: Preacher: The Rev. David A. Killian
* * * * *
Weekend and Mid-Week Worship Schedule
For the schedule of worship services for Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday, please click here.
For the Collect of the Day, Scripture Readings, and Psalm, click here. Please note that the we are now using the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings.
For a note on the Music at the Sunday 10:30 am service, from All Saints Music Director Donald Teeters, click here.
For a Story from this Sunday's Gospel by Becky Taylor, Director of Children's Youth, and Family Ministry, click here.
For a note on the Sunday 6:00 pm 'Sunday Evening' Holy Eucharist from Assistant Rector, the Rev. Leslie K. Sterling, click here.
To browse past issues of the All Saints Weekly, click here.
For "All Saints Smiles" and news about events, activities, programs, ministries and the staff of our parish, please click on the All Saints website: www.allsaintsbrookline.org.
Many thanks to June Santosa, design, Barbara Bembery, distribution, and the contributors above who produce the All Saints Weekly each week.
We want your feedback!
Please tell us :
- if you find All Saints Weekly a helpful spiritual resource
- if you have trouble seeing this email or opening the links
- or if you do not wish to receive this e-newsletter.
Please let Barbara know at office@allsaintsbrookline.org. THANK YOU!