Daily Readings January 31 - February 6

Daily Lectionary

January 31 Zechariah 10:1—11:3; 2 Timothy 3:1–18

February 1 Zechariah 11:4–17; 2 Timothy 4:1–18

February 2 (Presentation of Our Lord) Zechariah 12:1—13:9; Titus 1:1—2:6

February 3 Zechariah 14:1–21; Titus 2:7—3:15

February 4 Job 1:1–22; John 1:1–18

February 5 Job 2:1—3:10; John 1:19–34

February 6 Job 3:11–26; John 1:35–51

SEXAGESIMA

The Sower sows the Seed of His Word. (Luke 8:4–15) This Word is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:9–13) to conceive new life in those who hear it. But the planting of Christ is attacked by the devil, the world, and the flesh. Satan snatches the Word away from hard hearts. The riches and pleasures of this life choke off faith. Shallow and emotional belief withers in time of temptation and trouble. But see how Christ bears this attack for us! Christ’s cross was planted in the hard and rocky soil of Golgotha. A crown of thorns was placed upon His head. Satan and His demons hellishly hounded and devoured Him. Yet, through His dying and rising again, He destroyed these enemies of ours. Jesus is Himself the Seed which fell to the ground and died in order that it might sprout forth to new life and produce much grain. In Him the weak are strong. (2 Corinthians 11:19 – 12:9) He is the Word of the Father which does not return void (Isaiah 55:10–13) but yields a hundredfold.

Collect

O God, because You know that we dare not put our trust in anything that we do, mercifully grant that by Your power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Old Testament: Isaiah 55:10–13 [The Word accomplishes its purpose]

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 11:19–12:9 [Boasting in infirmities]

Holy Gospel: Luke 8:4–15 [The Sower and the Seed]