Third Sunday after Epiphany
January 25. 2009

Scripture Introductions
by Stewart Clarke

Our first reading today is from the book of Jonah. When we think of Jonah, 
we almost immediately think of the whale, which could deflect us from the 
main story.

God calls Jonah to preach judgment to the city of Nineveh, capital of the 
Assyrian Empire, and thus foreign and a foe.  Jonah wants none of it, so he 
heads in the opposite direction, only to be confronted by a storm, being 
thrown overboard, meeting a big fish and being spat up on the shore.  There 
is nothing else to do, so Jonah goes to Nineveh and preaches, but, all the 
time, there lurks in his mind the fear that the people might repent and God 
might forgive them, after all.

(While Jonah becomes a real character in the story, little attention is paid 
to time and place: it sounds as if Jonah is landed near Nineveh, which is 
far inland!  We are, however, reminded of a major purpose of prophesy, not 
that events be foretold, but that people listen, repent, and live full and 
moral lives.  There have been much speculation and many tales about the big 
fish, and about Jonah, as well: Could Jonah represent a stubborn religious 
establishment, the big fish represent the Exile, and the whole story 
illustrate God's call to love and forgiveness?)

(In the story, we are not sure if Jonah really learns anything from God. 
After general repentance in Nineveh, he sits and sulks on a hill, waiting 
for the destruction he foretold.  God calls him to another point of view, 
but we are not told if Jonah learns!  We are left to ponder!)

Let's listen to the message as Jonah proclaims it, and the response of the 
people, and God's own repentance, in:

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

(You may reserve your thanks and praise until after the Gospel, or pause 
for reflection, or say something like:  May we respond when God challenges 
us. Amen.)



In the Psalm, we are called to put our trust in God. While humans are 
fragile, God is our Rock and our Refuge.
Let us..
Psalm 62:5-12



In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses the question of the 
"End" or "Purpose" of Time.  He speaks of the chosen time as almost upon 
them, and he spells out some of implications, as he sees them - then.[2]
If we think of time as only "how long," (or Chronos, in Greek terms), Paul 
is mistaken; but if we think of time in terms of who we are and what we are 
about, in terms of "depth," (or Kyros, in Greek), he offers a powerful 
focus. (In the same vein, I ponder the way we have clocks to measure the 
quantity of time, but no way to measure or express  quality  time, which can 
become very precious, especially when its quantity is threatened.)

Let us listen to Paul's view, in 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

May we listen carefully and wisely, Amen.



The Gospel reading picks up the "end of time" idea in terms of the end of 
John the Baptist's public ministry and the beginning of Jesus' ministry. He 
begins, it seems, with a continuation of the message of John: Repent! Then, 
as if he has fulfilled his duty to John, he will move on with his own 
mission and message, recruiting disciples.

We hear a hint of Jesus' wonderful wit in his calling Simon and Andrew to 
become fishers of people!  I invite you to see yourself in the story: if 
Jesus invited you, how would you respond?   (Equally, what metaphor might 
Jesus use for your ministry?)

Let us rise to honour and be open to the Good News for us in:
(Or: Let us listen closely for the Good News for us in:)

Mark 1:14-20

And may we be alert to Jesus' invitation.. Amen.

(It is appropriate to follow the readings with thanks and praise.)

Notes:

 With thanks to EMC.
 I wonder about these verses, when Paul seems concerned with holiness, 
whereas, in other passages, he is more concerned about love! Even so, I don't 
hear him suggesting a ban on sexual expression, per se.  RSC. 


(Comments to Stew at stewclarke@eastlink.ca.)