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This week, a rare planetary alignment offers a striking reminder of a truth found in Luke 9:28-36—we cannot control Jesus, just as we cannot control the heavens. The Transfiguration reveals that Christ is beyond human containment, yet he shines for all. As you reflect on this celestial wonder, consider: How might it be a gift that God is beyond our control? Read more about this connection between the cosmos and Christ in the latest Faith Lens.

Mercy is more than a word—it’s a call to action. This Sunday’s Gospel reading (Luke 6:27-38) challenges us to love our enemies, give freely, and embody God’s mercy in a divided world. As Lutheran social ministries face funding challenges, we are reminded that mercy is at the core of our faith, not an optional extra. How will we answer Jesus’ call to mercy today?

Jesus didn’t lead from above—he stood among the people, teaching on a level place and challenging societal norms about blessings and woes (Luke 6:17-26). His model of leadership, reflected in the Civil Rights Movement, calls us to walk alongside the marginalized, not from positions of privilege. As we reflect on Black History Month, how can we follow Christ’s example and prepare for God’s reign where all share in His blessings?

Have you ever felt like your efforts were wasted? In Luke 5, the disciples had a fruitless day of fishing—until Jesus stepped in, transforming their empty nets into abundance. The same principle applies beyond the sea: even waste, like discarded food or manure, can become something life-giving. In God’s economy, nothing is useless. How can we invite God to bring renewal in places that feel like failure? In this week’s Faith Lens, read more on how faith, science, and trust in God’s abundance can reshape how we see the world.

Simeon and Anna saw something extraordinary in an ordinary moment at the temple: God’s presence in Jesus. Their story reminds us that God is still near, revealing the sacred through everyday things—clean water, fresh air, the beauty of creation. As we care for the world around us, we honor God’s gifts and ensure future generations can experience them. This week, take time to notice where God’s fingerprints appear in your daily life. Where do you see the extraordinary within the ordinary?

As trends and traditions from the past reemerge in today’s world, this week’s Gospel reading from Luke 4 reminds us of the eternal renewal found in Jesus. Unlike fleeting trends, Christ’s fulfillment of ancient promises brings lasting transformation, making all things new. Where do we place our ultimate allegiance?

As wildfires devastate Los Angeles, we are reminded of our call to step in during times of need, just as Jesus did at the wedding in Cana. Whether through prayer, financial support for Lutheran Disaster Response, or opening our homes to those displaced, our actions embody God’s abundant love. In this week’s Faith Lens, explore how this week’s Gospel inspires us to act with grace and compassion in the face of crisis.

The Epiphany of Our Lord reminds us that God’s love is for everyone, from Magi following a star to seekers across the globe. This Sunday, as you gaze at the heavens, consider how God is revealed in creation and what it means to share Christ’s universal love.