Christmas (year A)

 In certain respects, Christmas is the beginning of the Gospel story, which reaches its climax on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. There are many passages of Scripture associated with the birth of Jesus. There are Old Testament prophecies and epistle readings. And of course, there are the Gospel accounts from Matthew, Luke, and John. Each of these Gospels has its own beauty and meaning. We might say that Matthew 1-2 focuses on Joseph's perspective, that Luke 1-2 reflects the point of view of the Virgin Mary, and that John 1 emphasizes the timeless theological meaning. 

All these Scriptures complement one another, and the Gospels, in particular, provide believers with the truth we need for meditating on the significance of Christ's Birth. Many of us recall lovely childhood Nativity pageants, but adults need to move beyond that level. The Scriptures point us to deeper nourishment for the heart, mind, and soul. Scripture teaches us the truth that Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, "came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man" for us and for our salvation (Nicene Creed). 

In other words, Scripture teaches us that Christmas is about more than a family festival or the birthday of a great man; it is about our eternal salvation. Faith in Christ our Savior is where we need to focus our attention. Of course, we should have faith in Him every day, but we need a special time of emphasis on His Incarnation. We need more than a few moments on Christmas Eve, and church tradition suggests at least for twelve days. Meditating on the meaning of Jesus' Birth at this time can help us better appreciate the entire Gospel message as we move through the church year. 

Prayers and wishes for a blessed and meaningful Christmas!

Advent 1 (year A)- Matthew 24:29-44

 This Sunday, the first Sunday in Advent, marks the beginning of a new church year. As many people are aware, the word Advent is derived from a Latin root meaning "to come." The readings for this Sunday all point to the coming of Christ and His kingdom. Each selection refers to some of the varied ways that God comes among His people.

The Gospel from Matthew 24:29-44 looks to Christ's future return for the last judgment. No one knows exactly when this will take place; so, our Lord exhorts us to be ready always. Advent is a special time for us to focus on our spiritual preparations to meet Christ both in our present life and at the end of history. We need to keep our lives centered on faith, Christ's teachings, and live as God expects. We must repent and seek renewal in thought, word, and deed.

Christ the King (year C)- Luke 23:27-43

  Many Christians designate the last Sunday of the church calendar as Christ the King Sunday. Although this observance is recent in liturgical history, the Holy Scriptures are filled with references to Christ's kingship. In addition, since ancient times, Christians have often spoken of the three offices or functions of Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King. Indeed, the very term Christ or Messiah refers to one who is anointed as king of God's people.

The Gospel from Luke 23:27-43 is set at the crucifixion of Jesus. In the account of the Passion, there are repeated references to His kingship. Jesus is crucified under the superscription Jesus Christ King of the Jews, but we must be perceptive in understanding His kingship. He does not meet worldly expectations of a forceful human king. He is not an obvious earthly king because His kingdom is spiritual. He is a ruler of hearts, minds, and souls. The penitent thief on a cross beside Jesus understands this spiritual dimension, and he asks to be included in Christ's kingdom. Jesus replies with the promise that the faithful penitent will be included in the heavenly kingdom. May we also understand and accept Jesus' spiritual kingship in our lives!

Trinity 18/Pentecost 19 (year C proper 24)- 2 Timothy 3; Luke 18

 Our Epistle reading for this Sunday is about solid foundations and persistence. In 2 Timothy 3 & 4, the Apostle Paul speaks about holding fast to solid foundations in faith. Paul urges his younger colleague, Timothy, to remain persistent in his Christian faith and ministry. In 2 Timothy 3:15, Paul tells his young colleague that the Scriptures can make him “wise unto salvation through faith” in Christ Jesus (KJV). Creating and sustaining faith in Christ is a central purpose of the Bible. Timothy has had a solid foundation in biblical teaching since childhood, but he must not take this foundation for granted; he must continue to pursue faithfulness to Christ and a deep devotion to Scripture.

The key verse is 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.” (KJV) In other words, the whole Bible is divinely inspired. Human copyists, translators, and interpreters can make mistakes, and readers may not understand or apply every word perfectly. Nevertheless, divine revelation is generally clear, and it is our infallible guide.

The Gospel for this Sunday from Luke 18:1-8 contains a striking teaching. Jesus tells the parable of the Unjust Judge, which teaches the value of persisting in prayer. The corrupt judge doesn’t care about his legal responsibility, but he eventually grants justice to a poor but persistent widow. The point of the parable is this: If even a corrupt human judge might be persuaded to hear the case of a powerless person, then we should certainly expect our just, gracious, and merciful heavenly Father to respond to our constant prayers for His blessings.

Thus, both the Epistle and the Gospel for this Sunday highlight the value of persisting or persevering in basic Christian devotion. We must remain rooted in the teachings of Holy Scripture, and we continue to be constant in prayer. These two foundations guide and assist us in many areas of spirituality, morality, true piety, and service.

Trinity 15 (year C proper 21)- Luke 16:19-31

The Gospel for this Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity/Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost from is from Luke 16:19-31. It contains Jesus' parable of the rich man and poor Lazarus. We could note several themes, but the emphasis is on spiritual and moral attitudes and actions, and the relationship of such attitudes and actions to one's eternal destiny. The Hebrew Law and Prophets, as well as the natural law engraved in human hearts, teach us about God's expectations. All generally sane people are spiritually and morally accountable. This awareness should bring repentance and turn us to Christ's Gospel. Called, guided, and assisted by divine grace, each of us must respond and make choices about our relationships with God and our neighbors. Through grace, we respond by honoring and loving God, and caring for the human beings in our lives. Those responses determine our condition in this world and status in the world to come.

St. Matthew the Apostle/Trinity 14- Matthew 9: 9-13

This year, the Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity falls on 21 September which is the Feast of St. Matthew. The Gospel is from St. Matthew 9: 9-13 and gives the account of Matthew's call to follow Christ: Matthew also seems to have been called Levi (Mark 2:14). According to ancient tradition, Matthew may have collected Aramaic sayings of Jesus which formed the basis for Matthew's Gospel. He may have also been a missionary in the Jewish Diaspora and a martyr. In first century Palestine, tax collectors were despised as traitors, extortioners, and generally immoral scoundrels. Yet,  Jesus associated with such people. He called tax-collectors as well as all others to repentance and service for the kingdom of God. 

So on this day, we remember and give thanks that our Lord called people such as Matthew. God's grace extended to Matthew and allowed him to be a witness to the Gospel. Likewise, our Lord calls other sinners including us. He offers us His divine grace, and He can empower us, just as He did Matthew, to witness in word and deed to the good news of Jesus Christ.

Holy Cross Day- 14 September (Trinity 13)

The fourteenth of September is Holy Cross Day. As a church observance, Holy Cross Day has roots in the fourth century when the Emperor Constantine's mother searched for Christ's cross, and on this date in 335 A.D., a basilica that supposedly contained Christ's cross was dedicated at Jerusalem. The commemoration became popular in the Greek and Latin churches. During the Reformation period, many Anglicans kept this festival on their calendars (see the 1662 September calendar).  It is fitting for Christians to remember Christ's cross on this day and throughout the year. Holy Cross Day is a reminder of the centrality of the cross in Christian theology, art, and symbolism.

The cross of Christ is at the core of Christian doctrines of redemption. Our theology must always remain a theology of the cross. This day also serves as an occasion to re-focus on why we are Christians. Our divine and human Lord suffered the horrors of the cross for us sinners and our salvation. By doing so, He has become the Paschal Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. He has offered us His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and peace. He has reconciled those who have been baptized and have faith with the heavenly Father. And by His Resurrection, our crucified Lord Jesus Christ has transformed the Holy Cross into a glorious sign of faith, hope, love, and eternal life.  May we always take our stand beneath the cross of Jesus!

Trinity 12 (year C proper 18)- Luke 14:25-33

 The Gospel for the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity is from Luke 14:25-33, where Jesus speaks of the cost of discipleship. Being a follower of Christ means placing Him first and bearing one's cross. While there are great joys to the Christian life, it is not easy to follow our Lord, and people need to be realistic. Disciples must be prepared to give up everything for the sake of Christ. Even the closest human ties may be strained or broken by following Jesus. Life itself, or life as we prefer it, can be part of the cost of Christian commitment. As Christians, we need to do two things: we must be aware of the cost of discipleship, and we must depend upon divine grace to sustain us.

Trinity11 (year C proper 17)- Luke 14:1, 7-14

The readings for this Eleventh Sunday after Trinity are filled with valuable practical advice. The selections from Ecclesiasticus 10:7-18, Psalm 112, Hebrews 13:1-17, and Luke 14:1,7-14 emphasize the importance of good conduct.  Of all the readings, however, the Gospel from Luke 14 is distinctive because its intent is more spiritual than moral. Through His parable of guests invited to a feast, our Lord emphasizes the importance of humility. And although the example is from a social context, the main point is not moral but theological and spiritual.

In Luke 14:7-14, the parable of the feast is about the kingdom of God. It emphasizes reverence and humility before God. We must never presume too much for ourselves. We are lowly guests who depend upon the graciousness of our divine host, and there may be many other guests who will receive as much or more honor than we do. We should always come into God's presence accepting our lowliness. And if God should choose to invite us higher, then we should be grateful. Such an attitude should be at the heart of Christian worship and Christian living!

Trinity 10 (year C proper 16)- Luke 13:22-30

 The Gospel for this Tenth Sunday after Trinity is from Luke 13:22-30. As Jesus begins His final trip toward Jerusalem, where He will face rejection, suffering, death, and resurrection, someone asks Him whether many or few will be saved. Instead of commenting on human speculations about the number of those who will be saved, our Lord tells a parable about being invited to a feast or banquet. 

In the parable, a gracious homeowner has invited people to a feast. Each person invited must respond appropriately. An appropriate response includes getting ready, arriving on time, and entering through the designated door to be greeted personally by the host. The host is generous, but he expects the guests to respond appreciatively and make some effort. So it is with the kingdom of God. Many receive a gracious divine invitation. but God expects a suitable response. Those invited must accept the invitation and enter when and how He indicates. Procrastination can be dangerous. Failing to prepare and follow instructions may lead to a sorrowful exclusion from the heavenly feast.

With this parable, Christ warns people to take the invitation to feast in God's presence seriously. The divine host sets the conditions for entering the heavenly kingdom, and the human guests need to respond in appropriate ways. The invitation of the Holy One must not be taken for granted; it must be respected and the host's expectations must be accepted in humble gratitude.

Trinity Sunday (year C)- John 16:5-15

  Emphasizing the Holy Trinity on the Sunday after Pentecost is fitting because the powerful descent of the Holy Spirit disciples marks a final step in the Trinitarian revelation. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity tells us about the nature of God and summarizes the whole Biblical message. Although this doctrine is a high mystery that transcends natural human understanding, it also has practical implications for Christian faith and practice.

There are numerous New Testament texts (such as Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 28:19, John 3: 1-16, Ephesians 2:18, 2 Corinthians 13: 14, and 1 Peter 1:2) which show a Trinitarian understanding of God's revelation to humanity. This Sunday's Gospel from John 16: 5-12 emphasizes the cooperative work of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Scripture as a whole affirms the love of God the Father, the Incarnation of God the Son in our Savior Jesus Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit in giving a new spiritual birth to those who believe in Christ.

A belief in the Holy Trinity was expressed in ancient Christian baptismal questions about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These questions and answers became the basis for creeds such as the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. So, although the Trinity can be discussed using complex theological concepts, Christians affirm or confess this basic doctrine for reasons of living faith. The doctrine of the Trinity is a biblical Christian belief that is deeply rooted in the experience of redemption and in Christian worship and prayer. The God we worship and pray to is Triune. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit share one divine essence and work together in perfect love to redeem poor, sinful human beings. The doctrine of the Trinity is really at the heart of the Gospel!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Pentecost (year C)- Acts 2:1-11; John 14: 8-17

 This Sunday is Pentecost. The name Pentecost from the Greek word for fifty or the fiftieth day was applied to the Jewish Festival of Weeks. At this festival, the Holy Spirit descended upon Christ's disciples in a powerful new way (Acts 2). We can say many things about the Holy Spirit, but our selection from John 14 makes an important point. In John 14:16-17, Jesus encourages the disciples saying, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." (KJV)

As Jesus looks toward His return to the heavenly Father, He promises His disciples that they will continue to be aided and guided by God. God the heavenly Father will send the Paraclete, Comforter, or Helper to the disciples in Christ's name. As long as they remain in this world, Christians still need guidance into the truth. They continue to need reminders of Christ's teachings and how to apply them. Although the Holy Spirit has worked and continues to work in many ways, the central work of the Holy Spirit among Christians is to help them apply the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, there have been many misunderstandings and distortions of this work of the Holy Spirit among believers. People have gone to extremes, and many have neglected Scripture and Christ's Sacraments in favor of some nebulous "spirituality." However, true spirituality inspired by the Holy Spirit cannot be separated from the written and living Word of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit never contradicts the revelation of God the Father through Jesus Christ. The work of the Holy Spirit is intended to comfort and strengthen us in the truth revealed in Christ and written in Holy Scripture!

Ascension Sunday/Easter 7 (year C)- John 17

 This Sunday after the Ascension is also the last Sunday of the Easter season. It looks back to the Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord, and it looks forward the the new outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon believers. The gospel from John 17:20-26 is related to both these themes. This reading is a selection from Christ’s Farewell Discourses in John’s Gospel.  More precisely, it is from the chapter sometimes called Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. In this prayer, our Lord looks to the time after His Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. He prays to the Father in the disciples’ presence. He prays for their faith, perseverance, and unity. Notice in John 17:20 that Christ does not merely pray for the Twelve “but also for those who will believe in me through their word…”  (ESV) That means that Jesus prays for all His followers, including us. That was true when He was on earth and is still true.

Let us notice some aspects of Christ’s Prayer. 1) Jesus prays that His followers may be one, may be unified. However, His words in John 17:21-22 make it clear that Christ is not talking about some man-made organizational or political unity. While greater fellowship and acceptance among denominations and congregations can sometimes be very good, especially when rooted in common faith and convictions, true unity is more spiritual and moral in character. True unity among believers is rooted in the eternal, holy, and loving unity of the divine Trinity. 

2) This unity among believers has a missional side. This aspect is mentioned in the second half of John 17:23, “so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” When Christians sincerely love one another, we not only honor God and help one another, we also witness to our faith before an unbelieving world. Loving one another does not mean that we have to agree on every minor detail or practice. However, we should be kind, be willing to acknowledge our own imperfections, and seek to speak the truth in love. This is what God expects, and it is good for the Christian mission to the world.

3) In the final verses of our Gospel, Jesus emphasizes the heavenly goal. In John 17:24, He prays, “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am…” (ESV) This refers to vibrant and eternal life with the Father and the Son, based on divine love. In popular language, the goal is going to heaven. Because of the divine unity in love, and the love of Christ for us, we have hope of better and everlasting life.

Easter 4 (year C)- Good Shepherd- John 10:22-30

 On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Psalm and the Gospel reading point us to the theme of Christ as the Good Shepherd. In other years, the Gospel for this Sunday consists of the first paragraphs of John 10. In those verses, Jesus focuses upon His identity as the Good Shepherd, upon His laying down His life and taking it up again for the sake of His flock. In this year's selection from John 10:22-30, our Lord focuses upon the application to His followers.  Key verses are John 10:27-28 (ESV) where Jesus says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." 

These Gospel verses emphasize the dominion of the Good Shepherd over His sheep. His divine rule is assuring. Many Christians have spoken about assurance, but sometimes they have seemed confused about where Christian assurance lies. Some locate assurance in church structures or human ceremonies. Some locate assurance in good behavior. Some others locate assurance in emotions or feelings. While appreciating church tradition, moral conduct, and personal feelings may be helpful at times, such human factors are not the source of true Christian assurance. The basic foundation of Christian assurance is Jesus Christ Himself and in His gospel expressed in Holy Scripture. Our verses from John 10 point us to this foundation. Faithful followers of Christ cannot be snatched from His hands. Our true assurance is in the eternal Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, God the Son, our Lord, our Savior, our Good Shepherd!

Easter Sunday (year C)- Luke 24: 1-12

  This year, the Gospel is Luke 24:1-12. The account is similar to other reports, but Luke has a unique way of telling the story. He simply says "they" came to the tomb and does not say who these women were until verse 10. The women find the tomb open with Jesus' body missing, and they are perplexed. This perplexity turns to amazement when two angelic beings tell them that Jesus has risen from the dead as He predicted. The women accept this message and return to share it with the eleven apostles and others. However, the men hesitate to believe the women's report. Peter has to go see for himself, and even then, his initial response to the empty tomb is merely wonder.

Luke's account highlights two points about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. First, the events of Holy Week had traumatized the disciples. They had not really understood or appreciated the divine plan for salvation in Jesus Christ. Although they loved Him, they had not really listened. They had not expected His crucifixion or His resurrection. They were shocked and depressed, and they were slow to understand the meaning of the empty tomb.

Secondly, as this passage starts to show and other accounts develop, Christ's disciples did slowly come to believe firmly in His resurrection. If anything, the initial discouragement, perplexity, and surprise of the disciples make their later witness to the resurrection more powerful. The disciples were not confident plotters trying to mislead others. They were humble people transformed by divine revelation and miraculous grace. Let us pray that the same divine revelation and grace may transform us into witnesses for the risen Lord Jesus!

Palm Sunday-Lent 6 (year C)- Philippians 2

 Many people know this Sunday as Palm Sunday from the Gospel accounts of Jesus entering Jerusalem on this day.  Many also expect the reading of a long account of Christ's Passion. Although the events are distinctive, the two readings from the Gospel tell us what happened this week. Jesus our Lord was glorified and then rejected and horribly killed.  As human beings, we may have some difficulty keeping these two aspects of Holy Week together in our thoughts. Yet, they belong together, and in the Epistle from Philippians 2, the Apostle Paul ties the themes together in a beautiful way. 

Philippians 2: 5 -11 reads: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This passage from Philippians may be an early Christian creedal hymn, and the words can be applied to many commemorations of the Christian faith. As we look at them on Palm Sunday, the words are very appropriate at the beginning of Holy Week. Their devotional significance is to draw us closer to the "mind" or attitude of Christ (2:5). The divine and unique Son of God deserves praise as the King of Israel and the King of all creation. Yet, He comes in humility in order to redeem human beings.

We see this humble acceptance of the human condition at His birth and throughout His earthly ministry, but it culminates in Holy Week and Good Friday: "He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:8). These words summarize the details of the Passion Gospels. Christ voluntarily humbled Himself. The divine Son became the servant so that He could accomplish the ultimate obedience to holy principles, obedience unto death which had no rightful dominion over Him. Furthermore, the death He accepted was not just any death but death upon the cross. He accepted crucifixion, one of the most degrading and horrifying means of torture and execution devised by cruel men. Our Lord expresses His glory through the humility of the cross!

Lent 2 (year C)- Luke 13:31-35

 In the Gospel for the Second Sunday in Lent, Luke 13:31-35, we are reminded of Jesus' journey toward Jerusalem and the Cross. When warned that Herod Antipas, the Roman-appointed ruler of Galilee, seeks His death, our Lord replies with determined realism. He says, "I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem" (Luke 13:33 ESV). Jesus knows the path that He must walk. He must fulfill His ministry and mission. He chooses to do what He has been called and sent to do and to leave the outcome in His heavenly Father's hands. 

Although our callings are not of the same magnitude or nature, we are called to respond in a similar way. As we journey through Lent and through the whole Christian life, there are physical and spiritual obstacles and dangers. But these little crosses must not distract us from our Christian mission. We must be faithful and persistent. We strive to do what we are called to do as believers. We live and act in faith today and tomorrow, and we leave the future in God's hands.

Lent 1 (year C)- Luke 4:1-13

This year the Gospel for the First Sunday in Lent is from Luke 4:1-13. This selection is one of the accounts of  Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. As our Lord began His public ministry, He took time apart for prayer and fasting. Near the end of this time, the Tempter sought to catch Jesus in a moment of weakness. Satan used three basic human needs as points of spiritual attack. First, there was the physical need to care for the body- in this case, the need for food. Secondly, there was the human need for safe surroundings- in this case, political surroundings. Thirdly, there was the human desire for social contact and affirmation- in this case, the temptation to seek public approval by a showy display. Although the human nature of Jesus was tried, He was able to resist these temptations because of His unique divine nature. He remained connected with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Thus, Jesus overcame these temptations and did not sin. He also overcame temptation throughout His earthly life, death, and resurrection, and thus He won a victory for all humanity.

Unfortunately, even the most dedicated Christians do not have the spiritual perfection of our Lord, and we often succumb to one temptation or another. Still, we do have hope. Through our Christian baptism and through faith in Jesus Christ, His grace can strengthen us to resist many temptations. And when we do fail, His grace can lead us to seek repentance and renewal. Temptations to evil are bound to come, but there is good news.  Jesus Christ has conquered Satan, sin, and death, and He offers us His gracious help each and every day!

Ash Wednesday, the First Day of Lent- Matthew 6

 Scripture in general and the readings for Ash Wednesday in particular point us to the importance of our attitudes in religious matters. The key to observing Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season is found in these Scripture lessons. They all stress the spiritual aspects of fasting and repentance. The Gospel from St. Matthew 6 makes it clear that a disciple's attitude is very important. Our Lord assumes that His followers will fast, but He warns against being hypocritical or ostentatious.

External acts of devotion can be useful. Increasing our prayer time and Bible study are good. Giving up or decreasing some food, drink, entertainment, or purchases can be good reminders and expressions of self-discipline. Giving more money or time to charity is valuable. These and other practices can be expressions of faith and renewal.

However, the most important thing about Lent is not our external disciplines; the most important aspects of Lent are what God has done through Jesus Christ and our attitude toward Christ. In all we think, say, and do, we are called to repent, turn to Christ, and respond to Him in living faith. So during Lent, let us focus on what God has done and still does to save us. Let us seek to be more devoted to God and strive for a greater appreciation of Christ’s journey toward the Cross. 

The Last Sunday after Epiphany/ the Transfiguration (year C)- Luke 9:28-36

 The feast of the Transfiguration commemorates an important and mysterious event from the Gospels (e.g., St. Luke 9:26-38). The Transfiguration provides one of the most distinctive and dramatic manifestations of Jesus' divinity. In the synoptic Gospels, our Lord takes Peter, John, and James up onto a mountain where He has a shining appearance during prayer. Moses and Elijah appear and converse with Jesus, and a divine voice proclaims, "This is my beloved Son; hear him" (Luke 9:35 KJV).

Although August 6 has been one traditional date to observe the Transfiguration, beginning in the sixteenth century, some Protestants observed it on the last Sunday before Lent. This custom views the Transfiguration as an epiphany or a manifestation of Christ's identity similar in some respects to the coming of the Magi and Christ's Baptism.

This reformation liturgical custom resurfaced in recent common lectionaries. From the 1970s onward, a Transfiguration gospel has been used on the Last Sunday of Epiphany (or the Last Sunday before Lent) in all three years among many Anglicans, Lutherans, and others. This certainly seems both a biblical and reasonable way to conclude the Epiphany season. It is an appropriate reminder of our Lord's glory before we enter the somber season of Lent and the journey to the Cross.

Epiphany 7/Second Sunday before Lent (year C)- John 20:19-31

The 2019 ACNA Book of Common Prayer indicates that this Sunday can be used to emphasize world missions, and this year assigns John 20:19-31 for the Gospel reading. The key verse related to this theme is John 20:21, "So Jesus said to them again, 'Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you'” (NKJV). Thus, on His first resurrection appearance to the gathered disciples, our Lord commissions them to be in mission and ministry. They are sent into the world to continue His ministry. They are to share the good news or Gospel, and as the following verses indicate, a key element of that good news is the forgiveness of sins. The whole life of the Christian Church centers on the possibility of forgiveness through the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ. Christian preaching, Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and indeed all the rites of the Church are meant to convey this message. In our personal lives of faith and in our witness to others near and far, we are all sent with this Gospel mission!

Epiphany 6 (year C)- Luke 6:17-26

The Gospel for Epiphany 6 from Luke 6:17-26 has some general literary and thematic similarities to the Old Testament reading from Jeremiah  17 and to the assigned Psalm, Psalm 1. All three list several blessings and woes, and Luke 6 contains an account of the Beatitudes, Christ's sayings about who is blessed. Those who are materially and spiritually humble will be blessed; those who trust in outward ease will face woe. 

The goal of human life is learning to trust in God. Our lives receive their meaning through faith in God, not through external worldly status or human accomplishment. In the final analysis, the blessings in the Gospel Beatitudes should point us to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His redeeming work shows the truth of His teaching, and He is the source of true blessings. Woe to those whose trust is in the things of this world, but blessed are those who seek the kingdom of God!

Epiphany 5 (year C)- Luke 5:1-11

The Gospel from Luke 5:1-11 is an account where Jesus calls some of His first disciples, the Galilean fishermen. After preaching to the crowd, He guides the fishermen to such an unusually great catch. This powerful miracle frightens them. Simon Peter and the others are aware of their sin and unworthiness, but Jesus reassures them and calls them to catch men for the Kingdom. 

This Gospel is a call story, and it applies to more than just the ancient apostles. God still chooses ordinary people to assist in His work. Those called are right to sense their unworthiness for such work, but the divine call and grace are stronger than human frailty. The details of our individual vocations differ, but all believers are called to become instruments for drawing people closer to God. Despite our unworthiness, we are to become witnesses to God's Word in what we believe, say, and do.

Epiphany 2 (year C)- John 2

This year, like the 1662 BCP and unlike the 1928 BCP, the Gospel for the Second Sunday after Epiphany recounts the miracle of the water turned into wine  (John 2:1-11).  Many Anglicans and others associate this event with the Solemnization of Matrimony. Certainly, this story does show that Christ graced the wedding with His presence and blessing, and there are times when we do well to focus on that connection. However, the central point of the story in John's Gospel and for the Epiphany season lies elsewhere.

The key issue is Christ's action and His disciples' response to Him. The miracle is a sign of who Jesus is. He is God's anointed, and He is Lord over creation. He transforms the purification waters of the Mosaic covenant into the best wine of the new covenant. He manifested His glory, "and His disciples believed on Him" (John 2:11). 

Although the disciples were slow to grow in faith, here they made an appropriate response. They saw that God was working through Jesus in a unique way. The disciples responded to this epiphany or manifestation of God in faith. May we also respond by faith in Christ!

Epiphany 1 (year C)- Luke 3: 21-22

 The Gospel for this First Sunday after Epiphany, Luke 3:15-22, points to one of the oldest themes of Epiphany. That theme is the epiphany or manifestation of divine glory when Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan.  Luke tells us, "Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." (Luke 3:21-22 KJV). 

This event involves all three Persons of the Holy Trinity. By coming to John to be baptized, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and shows His dedication to His ministry. Jesus needs no purification, but He does receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit on His human nature as He began His public ministry. And the heavenly voice acknowledges Him as the Son of God. This moment is a unique manifestation or epiphany of the divine glory in Christ. It points ahead to His whole public ministry and work for human salvation. It also calls us to respond to Christ in faith.

Epiphany- Matthew 2: 1-12

 There are many things that we can think about at the Feast of the Epiphany, especially about the story of the Magi or Wise Men in Matthew 2. Of course, these Eastern scholars and holy men were intelligent and learned in the disciplines of the time. In particular, they had a good knowledge of the skies. They also seem to have been people of natural goodwill and religious longings for redemption.

Yet, Matthew 2 shows that all their natural capacities only carried them so far. They needed more than their natural knowledge to find the Christ Child. In Jerusalem, they needed guidance from Jewish scholars of Scripture. Although many of these Jerusalem priests and scribes were not always spiritually sensitive, they did pay attention to Holy Scripture. And the Wise Men needed to learn from Scripture. The Judean scholars of Scripture pointed them to Micah 5:2 where the prophet speaks of a great new ruler born in King David’s hometown, Bethlehem. The Wise Men were only able to complete their pilgrimage with this Biblical basis.

Thus, natural knowledge and hope are not enough. They can not in themselves bring us to the Savior. Like the Wise Men, we need guidance from Holy Scripture. The natural world and our human nature can help point us toward our King, but we need more specific guidance from the prophets, evangelists, and apostles inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the Bible. Our Savior is not some unidentified light in the skies; our Savior is the One spoken of by the Scriptures. Jesus Christ is not some vague idea; He is the personal Incarnation and Revelation of God. He is the One born in Bethlehem, the same One later crucified and raised from the dead at Jerusalem and ascended into heaven. The manifestation of God suggested through nature must find completion in the specifics of divine revelation.