Epiphany 2 (year A)- John 1:29-42

In the three-year lectionary cycle, Epiphany 2 this year is a follow-up to Jesus' Baptism by John the Baptist. The Gospel reading from St. John 1:29-42 alludes to Jesus' Baptism by John the Baptist and the beginning of Christ's public ministry. A key phrase in this account is John the Baptist's acknowledgment that Jesus is "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29, 36). This description of Jesus is echoed in other Scriptures, and it can be found in Christian writings, art, and music down through the centuries. 

Certainly, Jesus is the unique Lamb of God, the foundational sacrifice of the New Covenant. He is the ultimate innocent and perfect victim who offers Himself willingly. By His life, ministry, and death, He takes away human sin. He offers Himself for us. He takes our sins to make us clean and to deliver us from death. He takes away our sin to grant us life and peace with God. And unlike the sacrifices of the Old Covenant, Jesus overcomes sin and death. He is the Lamb who triumphs, rises from the dead, and ascends into heaven. This worthy and victorious Lamb is enthroned in heaven with God the Father and intercedes for His people; He intercedes for us!

Epiphany 1 (year A)- Matthew 3:13-17

On the Sunday after the Epiphany, many Christian calendars commemorate the Baptism of our Lord by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). As Jesus came to be baptized, He fulfilled all righteousness. He was personally sinless, but our incarnate Lord identified with the human need for spiritual cleansing. He also received a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as He began His public ministry. Finally, the heavenly voice proclaimed Jesus to be the Son of God. Christ's Baptism manifests the Holy Trinity. This moment is a unique manifestation or epiphany of the divine glory in Christ, and it anticipates His whole public ministry and work for human salvation.

Epiphany- 6 January- Matthew 2:1-12

Epiphany on January 6 is probably the oldest Christian feast besides Easter and Pentecost. In the early Greek-speaking Church, the day was about several of Christ's manifestations- His birth, His Baptism, and the beginning of His public ministry. Later, especially in the Latin churches, the day of Epiphany itself became associated with the coming of the Wise Men. In modern times, although Epiphany remains on some church calendars, it is often ignored. For many Christians, especially in the US, all that remains of the traditional observance may be wise men in a children's December pageant, a reference in a Christmas carol, or a reading from Matthew 2 in a service of lessons.

Nevertheless, Epiphany deserves our attention because of its important theological themes. The Wise Men or Magi represent the coming of the Gentiles or nations to Christ. Their natural human longings and wisdom respond to God's sign in nature and follow the star. Yet, they also need the guidance of the Scripture in order to complete their journey. Finally, when they do find the Holy Child, they do what every person should do. They fall down in adoration or worship, and they offer Him precious gifts.

At Epiphany, may we still seek Christ and be guided by Scripture. May we worship Him and offer Him our best gifts. Now that the worldly celebrations have subsided, Epiphany is an opportunity for quieter and deep devotion and reflection about the coming of our Savior!

Christmas 2 (year A)- Luke 2:40-52

On this Second Sunday after Christmas, the Gospel from Luke 2:40-52 is about the visits of the youthful Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple. In this passage, we can learn several things about Jesus and the Holy Family. Today let us focus on the first and last verses of the selection.  Referring to the time after the infant's first presentation at the Temple, Luke 2:40 (ESV) says, "And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him." (ESV) Then after the twelve-year-old Jesus is reunited with His earthly parents, Luke 2:52 (ESV) says, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man."

These two verses state important truth about the Incarnation. Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is unique. He is the divine Word, the eternal Son of the God the Father, made flesh and dwelling among us. As the Nicene Creed affirms, He is "true God from true God." At the same time, we also believe that "He was made man." Except for sin, He took on real human nature. These two natures in one person are the great mystery indicated in our verses from Luke. Jesus the Christ is holy and different. He is God the Son, but  He also a real man. He has a human body and a human mind. He grows and develops physically, He increases in wisdom and divine favor or grace is upon Him.

This mystery of the Incarnation is at the heart of our Christian faith and hope. God loves us and wants to save us from our fallen human condition. God the eternal Word comes to earth, takes our human nature as Jesus of Bethlehem and Nazareth. He lives among us. He models human perfection and teaches in ways we can understand. This Jesus dies for our sins and rises to give us eternal life! This is the good news at Christmas and throughout the year!