Epiphany: What is it all about?

It is season of revelation.

The season of Epiphany invites us to recognize the divinity of Jesus by the weekly Gospel lessons designated for this season. 

Born human to Mary, we find in our first Gospel lesson after the Epiphany, Jesus being baptized in the River Jordan by John. At first, John protests, recognizing Jesus divinity and wondering why he needs to be baptized. But the answer is in large part God’s opportunity to affirm Jesus’ humanity – one of us – who needs to be baptized. However, as Jesus leaves the water of baptism, God sends a dove as the Holy Spirit, setting Jesus apart from us in his divinity. The revelation to us is that Jesus is both human and divine. 

The season of the Epiphany then continues the revelation with Jesus performing his first miracle at a wedding in which he turns water into fine wine for the guests. A second sign of his divinity in this act of hospitality for the wedding guests. The revelation of who he is will continue throughout the rest of Epiphany and throughout his life among us.

As the season continues, we are invited to continue our personal revelation of Jesus as God. And what is revealed is that the ministry Jesus offers is to love us unconditionally. However, it does not stop with us simply acknowledging God’s love for us. The challenge is for us to spread God’s love by loving one another in every way we can. 

In the world we are experiencing today, with so much division, strife, and war, the revelation that Jesus is the Son of God who came to bring love, peace, and justice to the world, reveals our duty to do likewise. 

Finally, thank you all for such a warm reception into your community. This is a very special place. I am so grateful to be joining you for ministry as your Interim Rector.

Faithfully,
John+