Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany (Year C, Luke)
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Luke 6:17-26
Call to Worship
One: Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose hope is in God!
All: We gather to worship, rooted in God’s love and nourished by God’s word.
One: Rejoice, for Christ is risen, the firstfruits of the resurrection.
All: We come to proclaim the good news of life in him!
One: In every blessing and every challenge, the Spirit is with us.
All: Let us worship the Lord, our strength and salvation.
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, we confess that we often put our trust in human strength and fleeting comforts rather than in you. We are tempted to seek approval and security in the things of this world, turning away from the deeper joy found in your presence. Forgive us when we fail to delight in your law and when we neglect the needs of others. Restore us, Lord, to the path of righteousness, that we may bear fruit for your kingdom. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
One: Hear the good news: Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, for God’s grace is steadfast and sure.
All: In Christ, we are forgiven, renewed, and set free to live as God’s people. Thanks be to God!
Prayer of Illumination
Holy Spirit, open our hearts and minds to your word today. Let your truth take root in us like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in every season. May your word transform us and draw us closer to you, that we may walk in your ways and share your love with the world. Amen.
Prayers of the People
God of blessing, we thank you for your steadfast love and faithfulness. We pray for your church, that we may stand firm in your truth and bear witness to the hope of the resurrection. Strengthen us to serve with joy and humility.
We lift up those who are struggling: the poor, the hungry, the grieving, and the oppressed. Comfort them in their need and show us how to be your hands and feet, bringing justice, peace, and healing to all.
Lord, we pray for leaders and nations, that they may seek wisdom and act with compassion. Guide them to pursue righteousness and to care for the vulnerable.
Finally, we ask that you plant us firmly in your love. Help us to delight in your law, trust in your promises, and walk in your ways, bearing fruit that glorifies you. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Loving God, we offer these gifts as a sign of our gratitude and trust in you. Use them, and use us, to bless others and further your kingdom. May our lives reflect the love and grace of Christ in all we say and do. Amen.
Bible Passages for the Sixth Sunday After the Epiphany (Year C)
Jeremiah 17:5-10: Trust in the Lord
Jeremiah contrasts the one who trusts in humanity and the one who trusts in the Lord. The former is like a barren shrub in the desert, while the latter is like a tree planted by water, bearing fruit in all seasons. This passage reminds us to place our hope and confidence in God alone.
Psalm 1: The Way of the Righteous
Read the verse-by-verse breakdown of this chapter here.
This psalm celebrates the blessings of those who delight in God’s law, describing them as trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit and prospering. It contrasts this with the fate of the wicked, who are like chaff blown away by the wind.
1 Corinthians 15:12-20: The Resurrection of Christ
Paul defends the truth of the resurrection, arguing that without Christ’s resurrection, faith would be in vain. He proclaims that Christ is the firstfruits of those who have died, offering hope for eternal life to all who believe.
Luke 6:17-26: Blessings and Woes
Read the verse-by-verse breakdown of this passage here.
In this section of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus delivers blessings and woes, offering comfort to the poor, hungry, and sorrowful, while warning those who are rich, full, and praised by others. These teachings challenge us to align our lives with God’s kingdom values.
Themes for the Sixth Sunday After the Epiphany
Trusting in God
Jeremiah and Psalm 1 emphasize the blessings that come from trusting in the Lord and delighting in his law. This trust roots us deeply and sustains us through life’s challenges.
The Power of the Resurrection
Paul reminds us that the resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith. Christ’s victory over death gives us hope and calls us to live with confidence in God’s promises.
Kingdom Values
Jesus’ blessings and woes in Luke challenge us to consider how we live in light of God’s kingdom, offering hope to the marginalized and a warning to those who place their trust in worldly wealth and status.
