Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Jan. 1, 2017
Moses directing Aaron. Sixteenth century Flemish tapestry attributed to Pieter Coecke. DeYoung Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museums, San Francisco.
What’s in a name? What’s in the name of God? Today’s readings consider this thought-provoking question. In our short first reading, the Israelites have been camped at the foot of Mount Sinai for some time, but now they are ready to move on toward the Promised Land. God speaks through Moses, uttering a blessing so gracious that it is often used to this day. It also shows a turn in God’s relationship with the people. No longer is the sight of God’s face so fearsome that no one can look upon it and live. Now, having God’s face shine upon us is a blessing; and as an ultimate gift to the people, they are given God’s name as their own, creating an intimate connection with the divine.
The Name of God, given to the Israelites at Sinai, is exalted in today’s psalm of praise. We look with awe on the majesty of God’s creation, the moon and stars; the world and all that is in it, and all humankind, just a little lower than the angels. We give praise and thanksgiving for all this, remembering that we are charged with dominion over God’s earthly creation. This dominion calls us not to pillage but to preserve and protect the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea. Over it all we exalt the Name of God, our Creator who made it all.
Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
God sent his own son, born of a woman in full humanity, born under the Torah, to redeem those under Jewish law and tradition. But that is not the end of the story. Continuing an argument that he pursues throughout Galatians, Paul assures the Gentile members of this young church in Galatia in Asia Minor – what is now Turkey – that they are adopted as children of God. God sends the Spirit into their heart through Jesus so that they are no longer slaves but children and thus heirs. The way of Jesus is open to all who follow him.
Second Reading (Alternate): Philippians 2:5-11
Can you hear the gentle beat of poetry in these beautiful words from Paul to the Philippians in Greece? Scholars believe that Paul may be quoting here an ancient hymn of the early church. Its theology is deep and continues relevant, too: Although Jesus was truly God as well as truly human, he chose to “empty himself,” taking on the full weight of his suffering without divine foreknowledge; accepting the pain of crucifixion with human fragility and weakness. In taking on the full weight of all that suffering, Jesus showed us the true exaltation of God’s love, calling us only to respond with love for God and our neighbor.
Gospel: Luke 2:15-21
We return briefly to Bethlehem and the manger, where the shepherds have come down to find Mary and Joseph and the child and to tell them the amazing things that they had heard from the angels. Mary “treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart,” surely wondering where all these remarkable things might lead. And then, eight days later, they prepare to take Jesus to be circumcised, one of the most important requirements of Jewish law; and Mary names the child Jesus, just as the Angel Gabriel had told her.