Weekly Bulletin Inserts

Bulletin Insert: Epiphany 6 – Global Partnerships Lectio Divina: Fr. Bruce Woodcock and the Ven. Samuel J. Ponniah – February 13, 2022

January 20, 2022
Bulletin Inserts

The season of Epiphany is when we celebrate the revealing of Christ to the world. We mark the arrival of the One who is the light of the world: a light that brings life, a light that brings hope. This light shines its brightest when we are in community – with God and with one another. The Office of Global Partnerships of The Episcopal Church invites individuals, small groups, congregations, and dioceses to use our weekly video series throughout the season of Epiphany to draw closer to each other and our Lord. Using an adaptation of lectio divina with the gospel passage for each Sunday, you’ll meet and hear from Episcopalians and Anglican partners from around the world as they read and reflect on Jesus’ revelation to us.

This week’s lectio divina features the Rev. Canon Bruce Woodcock, Partnership Officer for Asia and the Pacific, and the Ven. Samuel J. Ponniah, Archdeacon of Jaffna, Diocese of Colombo, in the Anglican Church of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Watch their discussion at iam.ec/epiphany2022 and follow along by yourself or in a small group. To participate:

1. Read today’s Gospel passage:

Jesus came down with the twelve apostles and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Then he looked up at his disciples and said:

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:17-26, NRSV)

2. Reflect:

Which word or short phrase caught your attention or came to mind? Whether you’re alone or in a group, say it aloud.

3. Read:

Reread the passage, perhaps in a different translation. In this week’s video, you’ll hear the text in Portuguese.

4. Reflect:

Where does the passage touch your life today? If you’re with a group, share your responses with each other, without discussing further. If you’re alone, say your response aloud or write it down.

5. Read:

Reread the passage, perhaps in yet another translation.

6. Reflect:

From what I’ve heard and shared, what do I believe God wants me to do or be? Is God inviting me to change in any way? You might consider journaling out your response and meditating on it over the course of this week.

7. Pray:

In closing, say the Lord’s Prayer, today’s collect, or the Collect for Proper 28 in the Book of Common Prayer (p. 236).

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Sermons That Work podcast to hear this sermon and more on your favorite podcasting app! Recordings are released the Thursday before each liturgical date.

Receive Free Weekly Sermons That Work Resources!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Contact:
Christopher Sikkema

Editor

Click here