Third Sunday of Epiphany - Reflection by Canon Leslie

Today is the Third Sunday of Epiphany. The Gospel reading in Luke’s account of how Jesus began his ministry. Luke begins not with the call of the first disciples, but with Jesus returning to his hometown of Nazareth and teaching in the synagogue there.  In this passage Luke is concerned to show that Jesus’ ministry was clearly foretold in the Old Testament.  The very same Holy Spirit who inspired God's people in the Old Testament is now anointing Jesus to do the work of God.  The message of continuity with the past is symbolised by the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. 


For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of scrolls. In today’s picture from their book, Exploring Judaism, Dan takes his friend Rees to his synagogue to meet the Rabbi and to learn about the scrolls. 
Lord God, 
you speak with your people 
through the words of scripture. 
Help us to hear your word, 
and to heed your voice; 
today and always. 
Amen. 


Next Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Epiphany, takes us to the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, when Jesus is greeted by Simeon as ‘a light for revelation to the Gentiles’. The image to help us prepare for next week’s theme is lights. You can find out more about that theme here https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. We would really appreciate you letting us know how you are using these materials.