Part 1 of 2
Daily Office Readings for Sunday of the 4th Week of Epiphany: Year 1
AM Psalms 24 and 29; PM Psalms 8 and 84;
Isaiah 51:9to16; Hebrews 11:8to16; John 7:14to31
“The Jews were astonished at it, saying, ‘How does this man have such learning, when he has never been taught?’ (John 7:15)
This Daily Office reading from the Gospel of John and the one from our Eucharistic Reading for today from the Gospel of Mark, both speak of our Lord Jesus teaching and how amazing his teaching was. In my observation, Jesus teaches and heals. Teaching and healing is the totality of his ministry. It is the teachings of Jesus however that can be passed from generation to generation. We still learn from the lessons of our Lord Jesus.
Part 2 of 2
Eucharistic Readings for Sunday of the 4th Week of Epiphany: Year B
Deuteronomy 18:15to20; Psalm 111; 1st Corinthians 8:1to13; Mark 1:21to28
“Jesus and his disciples went to Capernaum; and when the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Mark 1:21and 22)
Jesus taught and healed. For the most part teaching is for the mind and healing was for the body although there are exceptions. In the case of demons or mental illness healing can also be for the mind.
It is the teachings of Jesus that can be passed from generation to generation.
The two big lessons from Jesus are 1. To love God and 2.To love everybody.
We begin this loving practice by loving God with all that we are. Then we spread our love out to our family, our neighbors and the world. Our goal is to follow Jesus’ teachings to love both God and all people.
If we fail at one, we fail at both. If this makes you squirm, it may be because it is laden with truth.
The lessons of our Lord Jesus are not for the faint of heart. But we can do this if we try. These lessons are truly amazing! And, they do not require a formal education. Just live and love.
Let us hear what the Spirit is saying to, and through, the saints of God, and then ponder anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 