Looking Into the Lectionary — Worship resources for 1/16

January 16, 2022 2nd Sunday after Epiphany John 2:1-11 COMMENTARY My friend, who is an Episcopal priest, posted on her Facebook page the Sunday after Christmas: “Just had real bread for communion. First time I have tasted this since March 2020. I am overcome.” I read her words jealously. COVID-19 cases are spiking again where I live, so our church continues to adhere to high safety protocols, distributing pre-filled, disposable communion cups on our way into worship. As sanitary as these pre-filled cups are, they don’t make me feel as if I am attending the “joyful feast of the people of God.” Separating the layers of foil from the top takes focused concentration and nimble fingers; the reward of our efforts is a stale wafer and an overly sweet sip of grape juice. (Can grape juice go bad?) But maybe I’m just COVID cranky. This Sunday, the lectionary leads us to contemplate Jesus’ ministry through the miracle at the wedding in Cana. In the biblical tradition, wine is a rich symbol of prosperity, abundance, and good times. When the wine runs low during a wedding party, the host is in jeopardy of appearing inhospitable. But Jesus, prompted by his mother, saves the party. Jesus instructs the servants to fill six stone jars with water, which he promptly turns to wine, overflowing wine. Enough wine for everyone at the party and then some. And fine wine, no less. Not the cheap stuff. The guests are blown away by the extravagance of this gesture. The six jars the servants fill for this miracle are originally intended for the Jewish rite of purification. The presence of these stone jars could be John’s way of saying that the traditional religion is empty, whereas Jesus’ ministry is abundant, overflowing, more than enough for all. Besides Jesus’ mother, the servants were the only ones who witnessed Jesus’ miracle. They had the best vantage point and the clearest, most illuminating perspective on his ministry. Positioning himself with the servants is not unique for Jesus. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus favors the company of the lowly. But it does make me consider, what am I missing because my seat at the table is more socially privileged? What extravagant abundance of Jesus have I failed to observe? You can find the rest of the commentary on our website. An order of worship for January 16, 2022. This liturgy is free to use. The Uniform Lesson for January 16, 2022, by Richard Boyce. God’s generosity — Weekly Christian ed lesson by Joelle Brummit-Yale  2nd Sunday after Epiphany — Family faith formation for Jan. 16, 2022, by Rebecca Davis IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Get ready for General Assembly 2022: 6 big-picture updates you will want to know Outlook national reporter Leslie Scanlon reviews some of the big picture concerns in the PC(USA). Tech watch: PTZ cameras A technology recommendation that will help your church service. Since Jan. 6 attacks, spiritual leaders unify to combat Christian nationalism On the anniversary of the January 6 Capitol attacks, RNS reports on how faith leaders mobilized in 2021. The future of Presbyterian higher education PC(USA) colleges remain a viable choice for post-secondary education because fo their past and plans for the future, says Jeffery E. Arnold.  She was John the Baptist A memory of an epiphany. — Andrew Taylor-Troutman Presbyterian Disaster Assistance responds to Colorado wildfires, other situations Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the Presbytery of Plains and Peaks are responding to wildfires that impacted the area between Boulder and Denver, Colorado in the last days of 2021. — PNS What's right about Southport Presbyterian?  Southport Presbyterian in North Carolina shares some ways they experience God at work in their midst.

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