Category Archives: Epiphany

Epiphany 1C/Baptism of Our Lord

Posted on by
Reply

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013.

Baptism of Christ

Baptism of Christ

First Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7
Both our Old Testament readings invoke images of water today as we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. Isaiah prophesies that the Israelites in exile will return to Jerusalem, kept safe by God through fire and water. In Baptism we give thanks for the gift of the water over which the Holy Spirit moved in creating the world, through which God led Israel out of bondage; in which Jesus received John’s baptism, and in which we are reborn though baptism in Christ.

Psalm 29
In today’s psalm, a thundering temple hymn, the faithful sing of God’s power as seen in a great storm. Thunder and lightning, wind and noise, flashing fire and mighty winds that shake the earth and topple trees: But these are not things to fear. They are signs of the mighty power and majesty of God. As the storm comes to a close, we are left with God’s promises of strength and peace. We share in these gifts through our baptism.

Second Reading: Acts 8:14-17
The Acts of the Apostles, a sequel to Luke’s Gospel, tells the exciting story of the apostles and Paul taking the new church across the ancient Mediterranean, spreading the Good News to both Jews and Gentiles. In today’s short reading we get a glimpse of Peter and John baptizing new Christians in Samaria. Remember that the Samaritans were longtime enemies of the Jews (which is why the Good Samaritan was so surprising), but now the apostles venture boldly out, not just staying safely among “their kind.”

Gospel: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
In Luke’s account of Jesus’s baptism, he shows us images of water and fire that seem to echo what we heard in the readings from Isaiah and Psalms. The people had wondered if John the Baptist was the Messiah, but John told them no: The one who is coming – Jesus – is far more powerful than he. Then today’s reading skips three verses in which Herod put John in prison. When we return, Jesus has been baptized, the Holy Spirit appeared as a dove, and God’s voice from heaven announced that Jesus is God’s son. Let’s remember today that as baptized Christians we too are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ’s own for ever.

The Epiphany

Posted on by
Reply

Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013.

Adoration of the Magi

Adoration of the Magi

First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
God’s light dawns like a new day, and a virtual blanket of camels bearing gifts from surrounding kingdoms covers the nation’s earth as they trek toward Jerusalem. This song, concluding the prophecies of Isaiah, celebrated Israel’s return after years of exile. Now images of kings bearing gifts of gold and frankincense speak to us as Christians, too, as we celebrate Epiphany. What gifts can we bring to the Christ child?

Psalm 72
Today’s Psalm, too, attributed by tradition to King Solomon, celebrates Israel’s time of glory with images of kings of all nations bearing gifts. With God’s blessing, the Psalmist exults, Israel’s king earns the service of all nations. But with this glory comes an important duty to be righteous and just. The king “delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.” May we, too, remember to have pity on the weak and the needy, and to stand up against oppression and violence.

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:1-12
Biblical scholars (and seminarians!) debate whether the letter to the people of Ephesus, on the western coast of what is now Turkey, was actually written by Paul or by a later follower, or even if it was written to the church in Ephesus or to a broader audience of Christians. The message in these verses, though, clearly echoes two of Paul’s consistent themes: The Gentiles, and thus all humankind, are included in God’s chosen people; and it’s up to all of us as Christ’s body on earth to make God’s wisdom known.

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
“We three kings of Orient are …” Everyone loves this traditional carol of Christmas and Epiphany. Surely we all remember the familiar story of the wise men from the East, even if it might startle us a little to realize that Matthew doesn’t actually say there were three of them, nor that they were kings. They came, following a star; they bore gifts, they knelt and paid homage to baby Jesus as if he were a king … and then they thwarted evil Herod’s plan by heading home by another road. Can we listen for God’s voice in our lives? How will you follow your star?