Week of Sunday, February 4
5th Sunday after the Epiphany
In Isaiah it is the one God who sits above the earth and numbers the stars—it is that God who strengthens the powerless. So in Jesus’ healing work we see the hand of the creator God, lifting up the sick woman to health and service (diakonia). Like Simon’s mother-in-law, we are lifted up to health and diakonia. Following Jesus, we strengthen the powerless; like Jesus, we seek to renew our own strength in quiet times of prayer.
Readings and Psalm
Isaiah 40:21-31
The creator of all cares for the powerless
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
The Lord heals the brokenhearted. (Ps. 147:3)
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
A servant for the sake of the gospel
Mark 1:29-39
The healing of Peter’s mother-in-law
First Lutheran Church of the Trinity 