SEASONAL NOTE

This day sometimes coincides with 1 February which is the feast of St Brigid of Kildare, or 2 February, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

READINGS

First: Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Moses tells the people that the Lord has promised to raise up a prophet from among them, who will have God’s word put into his mouth.

Psalm: 94

1. O that today you would listen to his voice, harden not your hearts
2. Come, ring out our joy to the Lord
3. Come in, let us kneel and bend low.

Second: I Corinthians 7:32-35

Paul compares the responsibilities of married vs unmarried men and women – to help the people decide how to live.

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus teaches with authority in the Synagogue: a man possessed by an unclean spirit challenges him, and Jesus orders the spirit to leave the man.

THEMES

1. Jesus as a healer and teacher – speaking God’s word.
2. Authority.

SUGGESTED HYMNS

1. A Mighty Fortress is our God
2. All Hail the Power of Jesus Name
3. Be Still and Know that I am God
4. Blest are the Poor in Heart
5. Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
6. Firmly I Believe and Truly
7. God Whose Almighty Word
8. I Sing the Mighty Power of God
9. King of Glory King of Peace
10. O Come and Sing to God the Lord – original version
11. Rejoice the Lord is King
12. Your Hands O Lord in Days of Old
13. Be Still for the Presence of the Lord – Evans
14. Come Ring out our Joy – Bates (Psalm)
15. God has Spoken by the Prophets
16. How Great Thou Art – Hine
17. If Today you Hear his Voice – many different arrangements
18. Jesus Christ is Waiting – Bell / Maule
19. Silence! Frenzied, Unclean Spirit
20. There is a Longing – Quigley

It pays for proper preparation of the Liturgy