Looking into the lectionary - The strategically small church

Matthew 5:1-12 Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany February 1, 2026 The world is a little overwhelming right now. I both dread and feel compelled to check my news app repeatedly, afraid that I’ll miss the latest event affecting our world. I feel like I can’t pay attention to it all, dismayed at the pain and suffering in the world I find with every click. Despairing, I hope and pray for the day that all is made right and I can rest in the kingdom of God. We come to Matthew 5:1-12 amid our current trials and are tempted to sigh a breath of relief. The beatitudes tell a beautiful story of the coming redemption of those who have suffered. Matthew’s version of the beatitudes invites us all to rest within their promise, for we are certainly hungering for righteousness, feeling persecuted, and mourning! Good things will come to those who suffer now. We just have to make it through this current hellscape. Hold on and hope for the coming of the perfect kingdom of God. But Matthew doesn’t understand the kingdom of heaven as something we wait for, a place we will ultimately go. Matthew’s understanding of the kingdom is much more urgent. For Matthew, the kingdom is already here. ... Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Thank you to this week's writer, Rae Watson. Want the worship resources for January 25, 2026? You can find them here. Order of worship — February 1, 2026 by Rae Watson A church at the center of crisis speaks: “We refuse to submit to chaos and terror” by Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis Minnesota Presbyterians mobilize after ICE shooting in Minneapolis by Harriet Riley Pittsburgh Presbyterians join interfaith push for immigrant dignity by Kathryn Post A small church chose risk over fear – and came alive by Robert Barrett The Strategically Small Church reviewed by Jo Wiersema IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Grief, choice and resurrection in “Stranger Things” In the “Stranger Things” finale, scars remain, grief lingers, and life goes on. Timothy Wotring explores a hope shaped by choice, community and resurrection faith. The Gospel of Salome What if the Gospels told more of the stories they leave out? Amy Pagliarella's review explores “The Gospel of Salome” by Kaethe Schwehn — a vivid imagining of Jesus’ story through a woman’s eyes. Protecting children from gun violence: Imagining a new world Presbyterian Peace Fellowship helps congregations implement PC(USA) General Assembly action. Lauryn Hill: Faith, fame and a different measure of success Chris Burton explores how Hill’s music wrestles with faith, integrity and fame — and why refusing to “lose your soul” may be her greatest legacy. Your light was made to shine Small churches aren’t inadequate, writes Teri McDowell Ott. When congregations trust their God-given gifts, they rediscover confidence and shine as Christ’s light. The church that gave itself away A tiny church faced COVID with an unexpected choice: save itself or give itself away. What happened next reshaped an entire town — and reached across the globe, writes Robert Barrett.   A daily Lenten devotional Explore how to live faithfully amid division and uncertainty through Matthew’s Gospel.