Break Open the Word

The Epiphany of Our Lord - 6 January 2013 Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Saint Matthew 2:1-12        Background:   The Epiphany We are fortunate that the Epiphany falls on a Sunday this year, so that all the churches will look at its themes and beauty.   When it falls on a weekday, many move it to the previous or following Sunday.   It is an ancient feast, also known as the Feast of the Theophany or as the Day of Lights.   The name “epiphany” is translated in Koine Greek as “appearance”, or “manifestation.”   Older (classical) meanings were associated with the dawn, or the appearance of a god.   The appearances that are attested to not only include the birth of Jesus, but also the visit of the Magi, all childhood events, the baptism by John the Baptist, and may even include the Miracle at Cana as well.   It is known from 361 CE, attested to by Ammianus Mar...

The First Sunday after Christmas - 30 December 2012 Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 147 Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7 Saint John 1:1-18        Background:   Sundays after Christmas The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) faithfully reflects the readings from the Roman Ordo, which celebrates this Sunday as “The Holy Family”.   The reading from Sirach is replaced in the RCL with a reading from I Samuel, both of which ponder the duties of a son, and the growth in wisdom and vocation.   Likewise the second reading is shared in the RCL and the Roman Order – a reading from Colossians that reflects on Christian life in community and family.   The Gospel reading is shared as well, relating the journey that the Holy Family takes to Jerusalem, where Jesus astounds the elders and states that he must be about his Father’s business. When the RCL was adopted by the Episcopal Church, the readings for this particular Sunda...