Scripture Introductions

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany February 8. 2009 Scripture Introductions by Stewart Clarke
Our first reading is a much appreciated portion of the book of Isaiah[2]. It is the second "Isaiah" whose message we hear, as he encourages a defeated, exiled[3] people who may have been tempted to think their God had also been defeated, or simply did not care about them. With the global economic failure, coupled with news of terrorism, we may feel exiled into a strange world. So, we are called, with them, to acknowledge God's majesty and power and to count on God for strength and hope. Like them, we are called to hear the Good News that God cares. Let us listen to this prophet of the Exile, and may God speak to us in this reading of Isaiah 40: 21-31 (It is appropriate to follow the readings with thanks and praise. You may wish to save these to follow the Gospel reading, or say something like: May we be encouraged and filled with hope by this message of God's promise. Amen.)
The Psalm echoes the same themes as the Isaiah reading, but in reverse order, noting, first, God's care, and then moving on to praise God's power. Psalm 147: 1-11, 20c (VU p. 868-9)
In his letter to Corinth, Paul describes himself as engrossed in the Good News, and driven to share it, even at the price of his own personality. We have learned to warn against the danger, or the impossibility of being "all things to all people." But Paul carefully defines his stance. Today, we might speak of meeting people where they are. (Our passage comes after a justification of his ministry, suggesting that Paul sometimes had a difficult time. It is worth considering, at least from v. 8.) Let us listen to his words in 1 Corinthians: 9:16-23, and may God speak to us. May we, like Paul, feel empowered and compelled to share Jesus' message. Amen.
The Gospel reading continues Mark's galloping account: in a few short verses we have gone from Jesus calling disciples to teaching in the synagogue to healing, and, rather than enjoy his acceptance, he will push on. Mark.shows Jesus modelling God's care and power. . He heals diseases of both body and mind. In healing, he frees people to health, community, service, witness We see Jesus also taking time for prayer, and pressing on to spread Good News rather than stay and enjoy acclaim. Let us rise to honour and be open to the Good News for us in (OR Let us listen attentively for the Good News for us in ) Mark 1: 29-39. May we learn from Jesus' example of care and the rhythm of work and rest, Amen. It is appropriate to follow the readings with thanks and praise.
Notes:
  1. With thanks to CAM and EMC.
  2. Is it a good idea to remind our people that Isaiah ! (Chapters 1 - 39), prophesied in Jerusalem while there was still a Northern Kingdom( 740 - 687, BC/B CE); that Isaiah II ( 40 - 55) prophesied during the Exile of the Judah leadership in Babylon after the fall of Jerusalem ( 546-538); and that another "Isaiah" fills out the book, with prophecy from the time when people were back in Judah from Babylon, and struggling to rebuild and keep their spirits up to the task? ( c. 535)
  3. When a Babylonian army over-ran Judah and sacked Jerusalem, they also took captive the Jewish leaders, deporting them to Babylon and leaving the common Judean folk as sheep without shepherds.
(Comments to Stew at stewclarke@eastlink.ca.)