We may elect to celebrate either the purification of Mary & the presentation of the Lord, Mal. 3:1-4 / Ps 84 or 24 / Heb. 2:14-18 / Luke 2:22-40
Or Epiphany 4, Mic.6:1-8 / Ps. 15 / 1Cor.1:18-31 / Matt.5:1-12
Some people find it worth the effort to pick over the mullock heaps of gem mines for the occasional rewarding find; but the dream is always of the rich reef. Familiar Bible passages, re-read, often yield previously missed gems. Both Gospel passages for this day are those dreamed of rich reefs. Meticulously pick over both.
Ian Farquhar
Lay Preacher Launceston North Uniting Church