The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: Year A

God’s word is proclaimed. God’s way is proclaimed.

• Micah 6:1-8
• Psalm 15
• 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
• Matthew 5:1-12

The powerful words of Micah are reflected in our call to justice as well as pattern of liturgy. Worship is an act in which the Christian assembly envisions the reign of God in word and sacrament. The values of God’s reign are enacted in the ancient pattern of the worship service, and then we are sent out into the world to embody God’s dream of “striving for justice and peace among all people, and respecting the dignity of every human being.” (Baptismal Covenant, BCP 305)

• We gather in God’s name.
• We hear God’s radical Word.
• We respond in prayer and thanksgiving.
• We offer ourselves to God (the offertory).
• We share a foretaste of the heavenly banquet (communion).
• We go forth to love and serve.

Questions for discussion or personal reflection:

Micah:

• What are God’s controversies with people?
• What are examples of doing justice?
• What are examples of loving kindness?
• What are examples of walking humbly with God

Psalm 15

• Is it always right to speak the truth?
• Why is just human interaction the criterion for dwelling in the tent of God

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

• Are wisdom and faith opposites?
• Why does God choose the foolish, weak, low, and despised in the world?
• What is foolish in the message of the cross?

Related Articles

• Epiphany’s Epistle: 1 Corinthians (prayerbookguide.wordpress.com)