Exploring the Sunday Gospel – Second Sunday before Lent

Today is the Second Sunday before Lent, a reminder that we are coming toward the close of the season of Epiphany. The Church’s season of Epiphany is concerned with the theme of revelation, how the presence and power of God is made known through the person of Jesus. The Gospel reading today is the first fourteen verses of John’s Gospel, the section that is generally known as the Prologue.

In the beginning was the Word

and the Word was with God

and the Word was God.

This is the Gospel reading that is often used to open the season of Christmas at the midnight service. It is fitting for the Church to return to this passage toward the end of the Season of Epiphany.

In the first sentence of the Prologue John uses the Greek word logos which is generally translated as word. In fact the Greek word conveys much more than the simple translation suggests. The Greek word points to God’s creative power, purpose and wisdom, and to the reason and rationality underpinning life.

For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited you to reflect on the image of words. In today’s picture from their book, Exploring the parish church, Rees and Sara are keeping their eyes on the priest as she prepares to proclaim the Gospel reading during the eucharist.

Lord Jesus Christ,

you are there from the beginning,

the Word dwelling with God,

and the light of the world.

Open our eyes to see your light

and open our ears to hear your word

now and always.

Amen.

Next Sunday is the Sunday next before Lent. It is also known as Transfiguration Sunday since the Gospel reading focuses attention on Jesus’ transfiguration. The image to help us prepare for next Sunday is wearing white. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.

Preparation Resources

Education Resources