Lectionary Preview – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany (Year A)

Описание: This weekend we gather for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, a season that continues to reveal who God is—and just as importantly, who God is not. Our readings challenge some of our deepest assumptions about strength, wisdom, success, and blessing, and invite us to see God’s work in surprising places.

📖 Readings:
Micah 6:1–8
1 Corinthians 1:18–31
Matthew 5:1–12

In Micah, we hear a powerful courtroom scene where God asks a haunting question: “What have I done to you?” Instead of demanding bigger sacrifices or louder displays of faith, God points us toward a simpler, deeper calling—to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.

In First Corinthians, Paul reminds us that God’s wisdom often looks like foolishness to the world. The cross does not fit our expectations of power or success, yet it is precisely there—in weakness and humility—that God’s saving power is revealed. Grace, Paul insists, leaves no room for boasting.

And in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims the Beatitudes, turning the world upside down. The poor in spirit, the grieving, the meek, and the merciful are named as blessed—not because they have it all together, but because God draws near to those who know their need.

Together, these readings reveal an Epiphany truth that still surprises us:
✨ God’s wisdom is not flashy.
✨ God’s power is not self-serving.
✨ God’s blessing often shows up where we least expect it.

Join us this weekend at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Venice, Florida, as we listen again for the quiet, countercultural, grace-filled good news of Jesus Christ—and discover how God’s kingdom is already breaking into our lives.