Epiphany 4 (year B)- Mark 1: 31-28

The Old Testament reading from Deuteronomy 18:15-20 contains the prophecy that God will one day raise up another prophet like Moses to lead the chosen. This is what the New Testament references when it speaks of Jesus as "the prophet." As Christians, we see Jesus as the prophet who is both like Moses and greater than Moses.

Psalm 111 is short but praises God for a variety of reasons: His creation, His moral oversight in righteousness, graciousness, mercy, and His provision of food. It also praises God for His covenant with His people and His holy commandments which lead to wisdom and understanding.

In 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, the Apostle Paul deals with the issue of foods that may have been offered to idols or blessed in pagan rituals. The food itself is not polluted by such associations, and a Christian may eat without spiritual danger. However, a Christian must be careful about offense to tender consciences. 

The Gospel from Mark 1:21-28 deals with the issue of Jesus' authority. Unlike the first-century religious scholars who usually cited past teachers as authorities, Jesus claimed immediate authority in spiritual matters. In this passage, we see two aspects of Christ's authority. 1) He is Lord of the Sabbath who does the work of His Father whenever He sees the need, and 2) His authority extends into the realm of spirits, and even evil spirits must obey His commands. Thus, it was that people were amazed and Jesus' fame spread. May we continue to be aware of His authority each day and join in spreading knowledge of Him!

Epiphany 1 (year B)- Romans 6:1-11; Mark 1: 4-11

 Over the centuries, the First Sunday after Epiphany has been approached in several ways. Sometimes, it has been a Sunday observance of the Epiphany. Sometimes, as in the Common Service Book, it has been associated with Christ's youthful visit to Jerusalem (Luke 2). In some older traditions and in recent calendars and lectionaries, it has been a time to commemorate the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The second or epistle reading is Romans 6:1-11 which is the Apostle Paul's well-known discussion about the significance of Baptism. Christians have been baptized into Christ, died with Him, and raised to newness of life. By His grace, let us consider ourselves dead to our old sinful selves and alive to God in Christ.

The Gospel from Mark 1:4-11 is a brief account of the ministry of John the Baptist and the Baptism of Jesus at the beginning of His public ministry. The passage brings up several topics: Christ's ministry, His humility, His identity, and a contrast between John's baptism and Christian Baptism. These topics can be drawn together in considering the significance of Christ's Baptism.

Epiphany- Matthew 2: 1-12

 Tomorrow, Saturday, January 6 is one of the most ancient and meaningful Christian feasts- Epiphany. In the early Greek Church, the day was about all of Christ's manifestations, from His birth onwards. Over time, the Eastern churches focused more on Christ's Baptism, and the Western churches focused more on the coming of the Wise Men from Matthew 2. The Sundays afterward emphasized other manifestations of Christ's identity in His life and ministry.

In modern times, Epiphany is often forgotten. Among secularized Christians, many are tired of celebrating after Christmas and New Year's Day. And this year, the fact that Epiphany falls on Saturday may make the neglect even more noticeable. In some congregations, Epiphany may be reduced to background for the commemoration of our Lord's Baptism on Sunday. However, the story of the Magi and the light of Christ drawing the Gentiles is a message that we need to remember. May we be drawn to the light of the Christ Child, and may His light shine in our lives!