From the wise men to the wedding at Cana, joy comes from recognizing and affirming the good.
epiphany
The frankincense gift needs to be taped back together. So does the stable wall.
This past Sunday was the Epiphany, the celebration of the incarnate Christ made manifest. It also happened to be the Sunday I decided to visit a congregation of the Metropolitan Community Church. The MCC is more theologically liberal than I am, so I braced myself for some hangups. But I also wanted to remain as open as possible to experiencing God in a different context. I’m glad I went.
Epiphany Season after Pentecost | Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Hosea 2:14-20 (Psalm 103:1-13, 22); 2 Corinthians 3:1-6; Mark 2:13-22
The Old Testament and gospel readings for Epiphany function as point and counterpoint. Isaiah offers a word of great comfort to those who have been so long in darkness. Impoverished as the hearers have been, honor and fortune are on their way. It's a message of rejoicing: the light that has dawned will make all who see it radiant.
Epiphany | Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany (Year B)
Isaiah 43:18-25 (Psalm 41); 2 Corinthians 1:18-22; Mark 2:1-12
Epiphany Season after Pentecost | Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
Sirach 27:4-7 or Isaiah 55:10-13 (Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15); 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Luke 6:39-49
Epiphany | Epiphany of the Lord (Year A Year B Year C)
Isaiah 60:1-6 (Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14); Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Epiphany | Transfiguration Sunday (Year C)
Exodus 34:29-35 (Psalm 99); 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36, (37-43)
Epiphany | Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany (Year C)
Genesis 45:3-11, 15 (Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40); 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50; Luke 6:27-38