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First Sunday after Epiphany. St. Luke ii. 41-52.

41. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

42. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

43. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

44. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquain

tance.

45. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

46. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

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47. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

48. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

49. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me ? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

50. And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

51. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them; but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

QUESTIONS.

41. Where did the parents of Jesus go every year?

Were they required to do so? Ex. xxiii. 14, 17.

What was the feast of the passover? Ex. xii. 2-15.

What sacrament of the New Testament corresponds with the Passover

42. How old was Jesus when His parents took Him with them up to this feast?

Why did they take Him with them at this time?

What rite, similar to that by which Jesus became" a son of the law," have we now in the Christian Church?

43. When did the parents of Jesus return home?

What is meant by when they had fulfilled the days?

Did Jesus return with them?

What is the meaning of tarried?

Where should you delight to go and to be found?

47. What impression did He make upon all present?

Why were they astonished at His understanding and answers?

48. How were His parents affected when they
saw Him? Why were they amazed?
What did His mother say to Him?
What feelings do these words express?
What prophecy of Simeon's was fulfilled, in
part, during these three days? Lu. ii. 35.
49. What did Jesus answer?

What is the meaning of wist ye not?
Whom did He mean by my Father?
What did He mean by His Father's business?
John iv. 34; vi. 38.

Are these the first recorded words spoken by
Jesus?

50. Did His parents understand what He said? Could He then have been taught by them

Did his parents know that he was not with what His Father's business was?

them?

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Who taught Him this?

Of what was all this a clear manifestation here in the temple?

51. What did Jesus then do?

What is meant by His being subject to them? What lesson does this teach all children? What does God command children? Ex. xx. 12; Eph. vi. 1-3; Col. iii. 20.

What is meant by His mother keeping all these things in her heart?

What thoughts should we most of all keep in our hearts?

52. What is here said of the growth of Jesus? What is meant by His increasing in wisdom? In stature? And in favor with God and man? Should not you grow in favor with God and man, from early youth, as Jesus did?

CATECHISM.

4. What doth the law of God require of us? Christ teacheth us that briefly, Matt. xxii. 37 -40. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the

first and the great command; and the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commands hang the whole law and the prophets."

5. Canst thou keep all these things perfectly? In no wise, for I am prone by nature to hate God and my neighbor.

COMMENTS.-1. Every year. Though the command only required males to appear before the Lord at Jerusalem, females also went up, especially to the feast of the Passover. The Lord's Supper of the New Testament corresponds with the Passover of the Old. Our Saviour Himself changed the latter into the former. Luke ii. 7-21.

42. Twelve years old. Jewish children, having attained their twelfth year, went up to the Passover. At that age they became "sons of the law," and were bound henceforth to keep the law. From being catechumens, they became full members of the Jewish church. All this corresponds with catechization and confirmation, as these are now practised in the Church.

43. Fulfilled the days. The Passover continues for seven or eight days. After these were ended, the parents of Jesus at once returned home. Tarried. Remained behind.

44. The parents of Jesus, being accustomed to His docility and obedience, did not think it necessary that He should be strictly cared for or watched but supposed that He would be with His young companions in the company. Company, a number of persons; in this case, relatives and acquaintances from the same place who, going the same way, traveled together for society and protection. A day's journey was about twenty miles.

45. After three days. Some think three days from starting from Jerusalem; that is, the day's journey, the day's return, and the day of seeking; others think the three days were spent in seeking; and still others reckon from the discovery of the loss. The first interpretation is the most probable. They journeyed one day towards Nazareth; went back to Jerusalem on the second, and found Him on the third. Doctors. Learned Jews, who taught and explained the law and the prophets.

47. Astonished at His understanding and answers. He not only listened, but He also answered, and the answers which He gave showed so much knowledge and study, that all present were filled with wonder.

48. Amazed. His parents did not think that a boy of His age would have gone, of His own will, to such a place and for such a purpose. Son, why hast thou

thus dealt with us? etc. These words express surprise, at finding Him in this place and company; disappointment, that He should act in such an unusual manner, and sorrow, caused by the fear of His having been lost.

49. Wist ye not? Do ye not know? There is nothing pert or harsh in the question. He simply seems to be surprised, that they should seek for Him anywhere else but where they found Him. My Father's business. These words reveal that Jesus was now conscious of His exalted divine nature;that God was His Father-and of the divine work which He was sent into the world to do. He was now, in His Father's house, hearing and asking questions, doing His Father's will. These are the first recorded words of Jesus.

50. The inability of His parents to understand these words, clearly shows that they did not teach Him this higher knowledge of His true character and work. This was taught Him by the Holy Spirit. He here manifested Himself as the true Messiah to the doctors as the representatives of the Jewish nation.

51. Was subject unto them. Though Jesus had just now proclaimed God to be His true Father, and obedience to His will His chief duty, He, nevertheless, as the Son of Mary, yielded most. cheerful obedience to His earthly parents, until He reached the age of manhood. His mother kept all these sayings in her heart. Mary made them the subject of earnest prayer and reflection, in order that she might the more clearly understand them. Did not forget them, or dismiss them from her mind, as so many now do with the words of Jesus and His teachers.

52. The development of Jesus-His growth in body, mind, soul and character,-was human, natural and harmonious. The excellence of His wisdom and character secured for Him the goodwill of God and of men, during His youth and early manhood. His example in this regard, is worthy of the imitation of all youth.

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Second Sunday after Epiphany.* St. John ii. 1-11.

1. And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there.

2. And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

3. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

5. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

6. And there were set there six water-pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

7. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

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8. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

9. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was, [but the servants which drew the water knew,] the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

10. And saith unto him, Every man at the be

ginning doth set forth good wine; and when

but thou hast kept the good wine until now. men have well drunk, then that which is worse,

11. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory, and his disciples believed on him.

QUESTIONS.

1. What event is here spoken of? What is meant by the third day? Where is Cana of Galilee? Who is mentioned in this verse as being present?

2. Who also were invited? Who, probably, were these disciples? John i. 40, 42, 44, 45. Why were He and they invited to this wedding? 3. When the wine began to fail, what did the mother of Jesus say to Him? How did she, probably, become acquainted with this fact? Why did she mention it to Jesus?

4. What did He say to her? Was this answer disrespectful? What does it mean? What is the meaning of the words mine hour is not yet

come?

5. What did His mother say to the servants? What is it likely that she expected?

6. What is said in this verse? What is meant by the words after the manner of the purifying of the Jews? How much is a firkin? How many gallons were contained in all the vessels? 7. What did Jesus command the servants to

do? Did they obey Him? What should you do when Jesus commands you?

8. What did He then tell them to do? Who was the governor of the feast? Why was the wine first taken to him?

9. Did he know whence or how it had been obtained? Did the servants know? What did the governor of the feast do after he had tasted it?

10. What did he say to the bridegroom? What is the meaning of the words when men have well drunk? Was the wine good which Jesus made?

11. What is said in this verse? What is the meaning of beginning here? What is a miracle? What is meant by His glory? How did this miracle manifest His glory? What effect had it upon His disciples? What does this gospel teach us in regard to the order in which Jesus bestows blessings? What does it teach us in regard to His power to help us in every time of need? Do you believe on Jesus?

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*The number of Sundays after the Epiphany depends upon the date of Easter, which is a movable Feast, and varies from one to six. This year there are only two Sundays after Epiphany, because Easter comes early.

COMMENTS.-1. The third day. This means, most probably, the third day after Jesus arrived in Galilee, which is mentioned i. 43. Cana of Galilee (now called Kana el-Jelil) is situated about nine miles north of Nazareth. A marriage-feast among the Jews generally continued for seven days.

2. Because in v. 12 the brethren, or relatives, of Jesus are spoken of as being present at this marriage-feast, it is thought probable, that the marriage took place in a family related to Him. If this was the case, then it was proper that Jesus, and His mother, and His disciples, should be invited to it.

3. The mother of Jesus, as a relative of the family, would naturally know everything that took place in connection with the feast, and so also with the failing of the wine. Having learned this fact, she mentioned it to Jesus, not, as some suppose, to hint that it was time for them to leave, but rather to suggest that the time had come for Him to manifest His divine character, by working a miracle.

4. Woman. This was not a disrespectful mode of addressing His mother. He used the same word when He spoke to her from the cross. John xix. 26. It was, in fact, a customary way of speaking in the East. What have I to do with thee? This language sounds harsh to us, but it was only meant to express that, having now entered upon His divine mission, His relation to His mother, so far as this mission was concerned, was dissolved. He had a higher rule now to govern His conduct than the wish or will of His mother, even the will of His heavenly Father. Mine hour is not yet come. That is, the time for publicly working the miracle and revealing His glory, had not yet come. That time had been fixed by His heavenly Father, and was not to be determined or hastened by His earthly mother. There is, unquestionably, a gentle rebuke of His mother's impatient haste, in this language.

5. His mother, instead of being of fended or repelled by his words, is rather convinced by them, that He will perform the miracle, and, therefore, gives direction to the servants as to what they should do. This liberty taken with the servants also implies, that she was a relative of the family.

6. After the manner of the purifying of the Jews. The Jews were accustomed to wash their hands and vessels before and after meals. Matt. xv. 2; Mark vii. 3-5. Containing two or three firkins apiece. A firkin held about eight gallons. The quantity of wine made, accordingly, was large-between 100 and 150 gallons. But, perhaps, it was not too large; for, no doubt, the assemblage of guests was large, and the festivities, as already remarked, continued a whole week.

8. The governor of the feast. One of the guests, who was chosen to rule over the feast, to forbid disorder, and to administer all the various usages of social festivity. It was also his duty to bless and drink of the cup first, and then to send it round to the guests; therefore . Jesus sent the wine first to him.

10. It was the custom among the Jews to bring the best or sweet wine forward at the beginning, not at the end of the feast. Well drunk. This does not exactly mean intoxicated, but rather having drunk so that the taste is somewhat blunted.

11. This beginning of miracles. That is, the first miracle. A miracle is an act or work done by divine power. The glory of Jesus, His divine power and goodness. The instantaneous changing of water into wine, manifested His divine power. The quantity which He made, manifested His divine goodness. His disciples believed on Him. That is, the faith which they had in Him as the true Messiah, was increased and confirmed by this miracle. Jesus gives the best last. First, the bitter water (tears) of repentance, then the sweet wine (joy) of pardon. First, the trials of this world, then the happiness of heaven. The world reverses this order. It gives the best first. The pleasures of this life for a season, to be followed by the pains of the next life forever. He can and will supply whatever we truly need. He can bless every place, honor every occasion, and sanctify all the joys and endearments of life.

If you love others, they will love you. If you speak kindly to them, they will speak kindly. Love is repaid with love, and hatred with hatred. Would you hear a sweet and pleasant echo, speak sweetly and pleasantly yourself.

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Septuagesima Sunday.

1. For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.

2. And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

3. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

4. And said unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, I will give you. And they went their way.

5. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.

6. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

7. They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

8. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labor

St. Matthew xx. 1-16.

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ers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

9. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

10. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

11. And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house.

12. Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

13. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?

14. Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last even as unto thee.

15. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? is thine eye evil because I am good?

16. So the last shall be first, and the first last; for many be called, but few chosen.

QUESTIONS.

What is the meaning of Septuagesima? Why is this Sunday so called?

1. To what is the kingdom of heaven likened? What question gave rise to this parable? xix. 27. What is a parable? What is meant by the kingdom of heaven? What by householder? Whom does this householder represent? What is meant by early in the morning? Who are meant by laborers? What is a vineyard? What does it represent? Is. v. 7.

2. How much did the householder agree to pay to the laborers? How much was a penny? What does it represent? Whither did he send these laborers? Whom do they represent?

3. At what hour did the householder go out again? What time is meant by the third hour? What did he see in the market-place? What is meant by market-place? What does it represent? 4. What did he say to these idlers? What did he promise to give them? Whom do these persons represent?

5. When did the householder go out again? What is meant by the sixth and ninth hour? What is the meaning of did likewise?

6. When did the householder go out for the last time? What is meant by the eleventh hour? What did he find and say?

7. What did these persons reply? What did

the householder say to them? Whom do these men represent?

8. When evening was come, what did the householder do? What does steward mean? At what hour did the law require laborers to be paid? Deut. xxiv. 15; Lev. xix. 13. What is the meaning of "beginning from the last unto the first?" Why were those who were hired last to be paid first?

9. How much did those receive who were hired at the eleventh hour? Had any sum been promised to them? v. 7.

10. How much did those receive who were first hired? Did they expect to receive more?

11, 12. What did they do and say? What is meant by the burden and heat of the day? What feeling does their murmuring language express? 13, 14, 15. What did the lord of the vineyard answer? What is meant by an evil eye? How did the laborer show that he had an evil eve?

16. What further did the lord of the vineyard say? Who are meant by the many be called? Who by the few who are chosen?

How, now, does this parable connect itself as an answer with Peter's question, xix. 27? Have you been called to labor in Christ's vineyard? Are you laboring there?

CATECHISM.

IV. Lord's Day.

9. Doth not God then do injustice to man by requiring from him, in His law, that which he cannot perform?

Not at all: for God made man capable of performing it but man, by the instigation of the devil, and his own wilful disobedience, deprived himself and all his posterity of those divine gifts. 10. Will God suffer such disobedience and rebellion to go unpunished?

By no means, but is terribly displeased with our original as well as actual sins, and will

punish them in His just judgment temporally and eternally, as He hath declared, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do. them."

11. Is not God then also merciful?

God is indeed merciful, but also just; therefore His justice requires that sin, which is committed against the most high majesty of God, be also punished with extreme, that is, with everlasting punishment, both of body and soul.

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