Scripture Readings for  January & February 2012

First Sunday after the Epiphany
January 8, 2012
The Baptism of our Lord
Genesis 1:1-5–The story of creation with the wind passing over the water.
Psalm 29–The voice of the Lord is upon the waters and everywhere.
Acts 19:1-7–Ministry and discipleship begin with baptism in the name of the Trinity.
Mark 1:4-11–The story of the ministry of John the Baptist, and of Jesus’ baptism.

Second Sunday after the Epiphany  January 15, 2012
I Samuel 3:1-20–The calling of Samuel.
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18–We cannot count the ways in which the Lord perceives us.
I Corinthians 6:12-20–Our bodies are used to glorify God; they are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
John 1:43-51–Jesus calls Phillip and Nathanael.

Third Sunday after the Epiphany January 22, 2012
Jonah 3:1-5, 10–Jonah proclaims judgment to Nineveh, who repents and receives forgiveness.
Psalm 62:5-12–The trustworthiness of God.
I Corinthians 7:29-31–The present form of this world is passing away.
Mark 1:14-20–The calling of Andrew and Simon.  “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.”

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
January 29, 2012
Deuteronomy 18:15-20–Moses promises the people of Israel that God will send another prophet when he is gone.
Psalm 111–The joy of what God has given us, the works of the Lord are great.
I Corinthians 8:1-13–Paul gives counsel to the Corinthians who are unsure whether it is permissible to eat the meat of animals that have been sacrificed in pagan temples.
Mark 1:21-28–The authority of Jesus.  This is the first of four exorcisms in the Gospel of Mark.

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
February 5, 2012
Isaiah 40:21-31–God’s power is everlasting; those who wait for the Lord shall have their strength renewed.
Psalm 147:1-11, 21c–God provides rain for the earth and food to the animals, and delights in those who wait for the Lord.
I Corinthians 9:16-23–Paul tells about the power of Jesus’ ministry and the role of the faithful  in proclaiming his power to the world.
Mark 1:29-39–The healing of Simon’s mother-in-law along with the summaries of Jesus’ healings.

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
February 12, 2012
2 Kings 5:1-14–The cleansing of Naaman, a leper.
Psalm 30–“I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.”  God’s favor endures for lifetime.
I Corinthians 9:24-27–We are called to run the race and to share together the grand prize: the blessings of the Gospel.
Mark 1:40-45–The cleansing of an unnamed leper.  Jesus, moved by pity, chose to heal the leper.

Last Sunday after the Epiphany
February 19, 2012
2 Kings 2:1-12–The ascension of Elijah: he is taken to heaven by a fiery chariot in a whirlwind.  This is a testimony to the mystery and power of Elijah.
Psalm 50:1-16–The heavens declare the righteousness of God.
II Corinthians 4:3-6–The Gospel is veiled for those who are perishing.
Mark 9:2-9–The Transfiguration.  This is a unique blending of the Old Testament prophets with Jesus Christ and the New Testament.

Ash Wednesday
February 22, 2012
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17–A call to repent and turn to the Lord who is gracious. 
Psalm 103:8-14–A confession of sin and guilt and a prayer for a clean heart.
II Corinthians 5:20b-6:10–Paul’s plea that his listeners seek reconciliation with God.
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21–Jesus describes genuine charity, prayer, and fasting.

The First Sunday in Lent
February 26, 2012
Genesis 9:8-17–God’s covenant with Noah.  This sign of the rainbow is God’s promise that the earth will never again be destroyed by a flood.
Psalm 25:1-10–The psalmist is offering thanksgiving and praise to God who is always faithful to those who keep the Covenant.
I Peter 3:18-22–The ascent of Christ, who had suffered, gives victory to the baptized.
Mark 1:9-15–The baptism and temptation of Jesus.

The Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16–God appears to Abram and enters into covenant with him, promising to make him an ancestor to multitudes. 
Psalm 22:22-30–A song of praise to the Lord, who rules overall and cares for downtrodden.
Romans 4:13-25–Paul explains that the new relationship with God is open to everyone.
Mark 8:31-38–Jesus teaches his disciples about the true nature of the ministry of the Son of Man and what it means to follow in his way.