Epiphany

An epiphany occurs when something is revealed. On the day of Epiphany (6 January), we remembered, the wise visitors and the revelation of Jesus as the light to the nations—the new Israel. In the week following Epiphany, we heard of Jesus’ baptism and John the Baptist as a witness to Jesus being revealed as the Son of God. Last week, we heard about the first of Jesus’ signs in the Gospel of John—the turning of water into wine—and his role as bringer of God’s realm is demonstrated. This week we have the Jesus’ reading of the scriptures and the sermon at the synagogue in Nazareth; and where others have recognised his significance, we find that some people don’t “see” his significance.

“Seeing” the signs of God’s presence isn’t always easy. Christians believe that Jesus is the primary revelation of who God is. Nothing and no-one tells us or shows us more about who God is than the gift we have in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The scriptures are a witness to that primary revelation. The Church, the body of Christ, is also witness to God’s primary revelation in Jesus Christ. What story does our worship, witness and service tell about who Jesus is and the nature of God? What are we revealing to the world? What epiphany might others have as we engage with them? And what revelations do we discover as we participate as the body of Christ in worship, witness and service together?

The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, anointing us to bring good news to the poor; proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind; let the oppressed go free; and proclaim the year of the Lord's favour (cf Luke 4:18-19; Isaiah 61:1-2a). Do we dare say, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing”? Are we able to proclaim that today this scripture is fulfilled in our midst?

In you, O Lord our God, we find our joy,
for through your law and your prophets
you formed a people in mercy and freedom,
in justice and righteousness.
Pour your Spirit on us today,
that we who are Christ's body
may bear the good news of your ancient promises
to all who seek you. Amen.

(Reproduced from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission.)