Playgrounds still resound with “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” But those words ring hollow. As adults, and as children, we know only too well the power of words to do harm. In contrast, the scriptures for today point us to the word that bears hope, promise, and life. Human words can hurt or fail, but now we hear this holy word of wisdom, challenge, instruction, and hope that really does form us in God’s promise. Jesus, in coming home and attending the synagogue, reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and announces good news to those struggling and oppressed. Standing in a tradition of prophets and priests who speak, engage, and teach God’s word, Jesus now offers one thing more—fulfillment! And we need not wait for this fulfillment because Jesus says, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” So join us – online for WWYA or in-person – on Sunday and see how this “today” is every day!
The scriptures for this Sunday are Psalm 19, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, and Luke 4:14-21. The songs for this Sunday are #519 “Open Your Ears”, #312 “I Come with Joy” vs. 1, 4 & 5, and #551 “The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve” vs. 1, 3 & 4. We give thanks to this week’s WWYA Worship Leaders, Production Crew, Musicians, and Deacon Kelly!
Mosaic. Exterior of Kykkos Monastery, Troodos, Cyprus. Copyright © iStock/Tony Baggett. Used by permission.