Readings for February 5, 2017 Year A Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 58:1-12
  • Psalm 112:1-10

Second Reading

  • I Corinthians 2:1-16

Gospel

  • Matthew 5:13-20

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

YAHWEH calls upon Isaiah to make it clear to his people that true religion is more than just the observance of religious ceremonies and fasts. It is more important to see that these express a way of life lived in true obedience to God, abstaining from self-indulgence and extending grace and well being to those in need. When this is done the light of God’s people fully shines in his glory as they enjoy a restored relationship with him. The Psalmist affirms that those who fear YAHWEH and delight in his laws, especially supporting the poor, are firmly established in the midst of the changes and chances of life. They are a light in the darkness for those around them. St. Paul wants the Corinthian church to know that their faith was not inspired by any great words of worldly wisdom but upon the demonstration and power of the Spirit. This same Spirit has become theirs, giving them spiritual discernment and enabling them to understand the mind of Christ in a world subject to spirits of darkness. In the Gospel Jesus calls his followers both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As we more fully keep the laws of God before a watching world, more and more glory is given to the Father and the prophetic vision of the kingdom of heaven comes closer to realization.

As Introductions

Old Testament

YAHWEH calls upon Isaiah to make it clear to his people that true religion is more than just the observance of religious ceremonies and fasts. It is more important to see that these express a way of life lived in true obedience to God, abstaining from self-indulgence and extending grace and well being to those in need. When this is done the light of God’s people fully shines in his glory as they enjoy a restored relationship with him.

Psalm

The Psalmist affirms that those who fear YAHWEH and delight in his laws, especially supporting the poor, are firmly established in the midst of the changes and chances of life. They are a light in the darkness for those around them.

New Testament

St. Paul wants the Corinthian church to know that their faith was not inspired by any great words of worldly wisdom but upon the demonstration and power of the Spirit. This same Spirit has become theirs, giving them spiritual discernment and enabling them to understand the mind of Christ in a world subject to spirits of darkness.

Gospel

In the Gospel Jesus calls his followers both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As we more fully keep the laws of God before a watching world, more and more glory is given to the Father and the prophetic vision of the kingdom of heaven comes closer to realization.