Epiphany of the Lord

January 6, 2010

Isaiah 60: 1-6

Ephesians 3: 1-12

Matthew 2: 1-12

The focus of this event is on light and mystery.  The light promised in Isaiah is now seen by the three wise men over Jerusalem, a light that they follow until they find the baby Jesus.  The visit also signals tension with King Herod who is anxious to know where is this new King.  The giving of precious gifts and the role of “the three kings” is particularly important in some Christian traditions and especially important in the Latino community.

How will you observe the Epiphany of our Lord?  How does it relate to the Christmas season?  Does your tradition observe this event?

Baptism of the Lord

January 10, 2010

Isaiah 43:1-7

Acts 8:14-17

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

The Isaiah reading promises that God will be with Israel even when she walks through deep waters and rivers.  Do not fear!  This reading is paired with the baptism of Jesus in Luke and the reception of the Holy Spirit in Samaria in Acts.  In the account of Jesus baptism he is immersed and then the Holy Spirit descended upon them in bodily form like a dove.  Then “a voice came from heaven, ‘you are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’”(3:22) In Acts the disciples were baptized but had not received the Holy Spirit until Peter and John laid hands on them.

It would appear that in the early church baptism and the reception of the Holy Spirit is linked.  Hence, one baptizes in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Liturgically the act of Baptism assumes the gift of the Holy Spirit which Jesus received at his own baptism.

What are the gifts that the Holy Spirit brings to us?  As we remember Jesus baptism and God’s blessing of the same, can we focus on the gifts of our own baptism.  What power have we received that needs to be renewed or reclaimed?

Second Sunday after the Epiphany

January 17, 2010

Isaiah 62: 1-5

I Corinthians 12: 1-11

John 2: 1-11

In many churches this Sunday would include the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King’s birth and a celebration of his life and witness.

The readings for the day focus on God’s promise in Isaiah to vindicate Jerusalem and to restore Israel, a discussion of the variety of gifts given by the same Spirit in I. Cor. and the story of the wedding feast at Cana.

One could honor Dr. King with these readings by focusing on the variety of gifts that the Spirit gives in I. Cor.  A serious recollection of Dr. King’s gifts in the movement for justice and equality could be followed by a call for us to receive a renewed power of the Holy Spirit in the exercise of similar gifts today.  A lot could be done with the need in our contemporary culture to honor a diversity of gifts, particularly in the church.

The story of the wedding in Cana where Jesus produces new wine, even better the first, is also an interesting metaphor by which to understand Dr. King’s life and witness. One could argue that Dr. King’s life kept producing finer and finer gifts, better and better wine.  How can our lives participate in this renewal of strengths, gifts, and hope?  Dr. King’s life and death challenges us not to “fizzle out”, run out our resources.  Can our lives end with the miracle of new wine?

Third Sunday after Epiphany

January 24, 2010

Nehemiah 8: 1-3, 5-6, 8-10

I Corinthians 12: 12-31a

Luke 4: 14-21

The preacher has a decision to make on this Sunday.  There is too much material so that focus is necessary.  It is possible to focus on the passage in I. Cor. and to deal with the importance of unity and understanding within the body of Christ.  This should be done with reference to the Corinthian reading from last week.  Clearly, the need for understanding, unity, and reconciliation exists within the church.  The damage that we have done to each other by not honoring difference and allowing for diversity has split the Body of Christ into warring factions.  A call to repentance and change would be a good beginning to the Lenten/Easter journey.

On the other hand, one could focus on the Luke passage which spells out the “Jesus agenda” once he was spend his time in the wilderness.  Jesus announces what is at stake in this Nazareth synagogue.  How can we hear this call to liberation with fresh ears?  How can this message reclaim our imagination and reshape our priorities and planning?

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

January 31, 2010

Jeremiah 1: 4-10

I Corinthians 13: 1-13

Luke 4: 21-30

Based on last week’s sermon, the preacher can continue what he/she started.  Focus on either the issue of unity/reconciliation or on the aftermath of the Nazareth sermon.  This two week period provides opportunity for a mini-series.

Working on the nature of love is an important theme.  Working on the treatment of prophets is an important theme.  Which ever is chosen can be a moment for redemptive power as preacher and community confront the call to repentance and forgiveness.