Sunday, January 15, 2017, will mark the second Sunday after Epiphany. We are still within the Epiphany season.
Excerpts from the Lectionary (Year A)
- Isaiah 49:1-7: " I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
- Psalm 40:1-11: "I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord."
- 1 Cor. 1:1-9: "[S]o that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."
- John 1:29-42: " “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
Prayers
Perfect Light of revelation,
as you shone in the life of Jesus,
whose epiphany we celebrate,
so shine in us and through us,
that we may become beacons of truth and compassion,
enlightening all creation with deeds of justice and mercy. Amen.
– Revised Common Lectionary
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
– Book of Common Prayer
Reflection
Epiphany brings us to the end of the Christmas cycle, completing the great rhythm of expectation and fulfillment that defines this period of time. It also points to the beginning of Christ's manifestation to the world, a ministry that not only happened in the first century but happens now within the church and within us as we travel through the unfolding of the paschal mystery of the liturgical year.
– Robert E. Webber, Ancient-Future Time
Poetry
Manifest at Jordan's stream,
Prophet, Priest, and King supreme,
And at Cana, Wedding-guest,
In Thy Godhead manifest;
Manifest in power divine,
Changing water into wine.
Anthems be to Thee addressed
God in man made manifest.
– Christopher Wordsworth, "Songs of Thankfulness and Praise"
Music
When Christ's Appearing Was Made Known (Coelius Sedulius): Lyrics
Art
J. Le Breton, Baptism of Christ (Vanderbilt Div. Library)