Prepare for The Sunday of the Flight into Egypt (01/05) - St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church & School

Within the liturgy for each Lord’s day, we receive the Word of God through uniquely appointed readings, psalms, hymns, and prayers. This week we will pray the Divine Service Setting Three (audio of this liturgy). Each week will also begin with a brief catechesis on each part of the liturgy of the Divine Service. The following guide will help you to prepare to hear and sing the Propers, i.e. the varied texts and hymns for this week.

Jesus Is the Perfect Israel – Israel and all his family went and dwelt in Egypt (Gen. 46:1–7). God made a great nation of him there, but that nation would prove unfaithful to the Lord. Therefore, the New Israel came. In fleeing the murderous Herod, our young Lord goes to Egypt (Matt. 2:13–23), that the prophecy might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt, I called my Son” (Hos. 11:1). Jesus brings to perfection what old Israel could not. He is the faithful Israel, the embodiment of the people of God. He offers His perfect and holy life in place of our own. He submits Himself to persecution and suffering in order to save us. Therefore, we should not think it strange when we who are in Christ experience trials because of the faith (1 Pet. 4:12–19). Rather, we rejoice to share in Christ’s sufferings, knowing that we will also share in His glory.

Collect of the Day: Almighty God, You have poured into our hearts the true Light of Your incarnate Word. Grant that this Light may shine forth in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Readings:

Introit: Ps. 8:1, 4-6; antiphon: Ps. 8:2
Gradual: Ps. 106:47; Is. 63:16b
Old Testament: Gen. 46:1-7
Psalm 77:11-20 (antiphon: v. 13)
Epistle: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Proper Verse: Ps. 145:21
Gospel: Matt. 2:13-23