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8th SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
The eighth Sunday after the Epiphany is observed only
once every 15 years; if it is observed it is the last Sunday in the
Epiphany season right before the beginning of Lent. As such it is a
transitional Sunday with three distinct themes: God's compassion for
those who suffer, a call to trust in God, and a warning about judging
others.
ISAIAH 49:8-16a -GOD REALLY CARES FOR US
If anybody ever doubted whether God has compassion
for us, this passage is going to set the record straight. These are
words from God's mouth delivered to us through the prophet Isaiah.
Powerful and comforting words tied to the metaphor of ultimate care:
that of a nursing mother. Would a nursing mother abandon her baby?
Neither will God turn away from God's children.
MATTHEW 6:24-34-TRUSTING GOD FOR ALL OUR NEEDS
The Gospel Lesson offers the timeless words of our LORD
himself. Just like Joel, Jesus says: don't worry (Joel: "fear"). His timeless
rule of life: "put God first and the rest will fall in place!" Interestingly,
"giving thanks" is not specifically mentioned in this passage; it nevertheless
elicits a response of thankfulness from the reader -- thankfulness for the provisions of a
loving and caring God. Jesus evokes images from nature to drive home his
message about God's love and care for us.
1 CORINTHIANS 4:1-5 - JUDGE NOT--LEAVE IT TO GOD
St. Paul is under criticism again and calls upon his critics to
refrain from quick judgments. According to Paul, it is not our
job to judge the work or intentions of brothers or sisters in Christ.
Such judgment is left up entirely to Christ at the end of time
(chronos) upon his return.
