The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany : February 9, 2025

“Synchronicity” based on Luke 5:1-11
Have you ever experienced a series of events that leave you wondering - or even convinced - that those things were too much to be just coincidence. If so, you have experienced the phenomenon called “synchronicity.” In terms of this world, there generally is no causal connection in these events. But, with God… well, we know that God works in mysterious ways. This Sunday’s Gospel lesson is about the calling of Simon Peter to be a disciple. On the surface, the events seem quite happenstance. Jesus was being pressed by a large crowd so He climbed into a boat and began to teach the people. He took note of Simon Peter as he was cleaning his nets and commanded him to put out from the shore once more and to cast his nets. Peter did as he was asked and caught such a load of fish it took all of the disciples to pull the net in. The result was that Jesus called Peter to leave his nets and follow Him. Just a series of unrelated events? Or, is there a connection that reveals Jesus’ plan for the mission and ministry of His Church? This will be the guiding thought as we prepare for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany.
Hymns from Lutheran Service Book
Used by Permission
LSB Hymn License no. 110005154
1. “Holy, Holy, Holy” (LSB #507)
Text: Reginald Heber, 1783-1826
Text: Public domain
2. “Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs” (LSB #812)
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
Text: Public domain
3. “O Christ, Who Called the Twelve” (LSB #856)
Text: Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr., 1923-2007
Text: © 1993 GIA Publications, Inc.
4. “Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways” (LSB #707)
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, alt.
Text: Public domain
5. “Lord, Help Us Walk Your Servant Way” (LSB #857)
Text: Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr., 1923-2007
Text: © 1997 GIA Publications, Inc.
6. “Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face” (LSB #631)
Text: Public domain
7. “Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go” (LSB #854)
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-88, alt.
Text: Public domain