The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Feb. 1, 2004
Jer. 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-17 or 71:1-6,15-17; 1 Cor. 14:12b-20; Luke 4:21-32
A primary theme that emerges from reflection on the scripture appointed for this Sunday is the particularity of God’s call. Jeremiah is made a prophet, not by his choice or personal inclination, but by the eternal will of the Lord: “Before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet.” St. Paul speaks of his spiritual giftedness in a way that indicates that he is likewise set apart in his particular calling: “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all.” Then, in the gospel, Jesus proclaims not only his own individual calling, but also upholds the particular vocations of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath and of Elisha and Naaman the Syrian. The living God calls and empowers specific persons according to his own particular purpose.
A secondary theme that may provide a worthwhile challenge to the faithful is appropriate respect for and recognition of God’s vocation, specifically to our youth. The prophet’s disclaimer, “I am only a youth,” did not prevent the Lord from sending Jeremiah in power to speak according to the divine command. The psalmist reflects on his awareness of reliance on God that began in youth: “For you are my hope, O Lord God, my confidence since I was young.” In the gospel story, the experience of Jesus’ rejection in his home town that caused him to make the memorable statement, “no prophet is acceptable in his own country,” was provoked by the sort of dismissive familiarity that is too common an attitude toward people whom we see growing up in our midst. “Is this not Joseph’s son?”
As the people of God, each of whom is invited to exercise our individual gifts “for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7), we do well to remember that every one of us is particularly endowed by the Giver of all good things. By recognizing and encouraging the giftedness of our youth, along with that of each and every member, we will heed the apostolic injunction to “strive to excel in building up the church.”
Look It Up
Read the prayer “For Young Persons” found on page 829 of the Book of Common Prayer, and remember the youth of your parish before God.
Think About It
What ministries of the church that are typically exercised by older members might benefit from the involvement of younger members?
Next Sunday
The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Feb. 8, 2004
Judges 6:11-24a; Psalm 85 or 85:7-15; 1 Cor. 15:1-11; Luke 5:1-11.
