Second Sunday after the Epiphany, January 17, 2021

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (1 Samuel 3:1-10, [11-20])

Toward the end of the rule of the judges, the word of the Lord unexpectedly comes to the boy Samuel who was serving under Eli the priest. It is a challenging message for the budding prophet as it concerns the Lord’s coming punishment upon Eli and his sons.

Psalm (139:1-6, 13-18)

The Psalmist celebrates the fact that the Lord not only knows him inside out, but also wondrously formed him in his mother’s womb knowing what plans he had for him. Such a God far exceeds the Psalmist’s ability to fully comprehend.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

In stressing the freedom of Christians, Paul takes care to point out that not all things are beneficial. He is especially concerned about sexual sins because they violate the body, which is made for the Lord, for his glory, and is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Gospel (John 1:43-51)

After responding to Jesus’ call, Philip tells Nathaniel that he has found the Expected One. After Jesus shows that he had intimate prior knowledge of him he believes and is told that he will come to understand more about the true identity of the Son of Man.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• The call of God
• God makes himself known (reveals himself)
• We are personally known and cared for by the Lord
• The Lord orders our life for his purposes
• Bodily existence is spiritually significant