Today is Epiphany. For those of us in Pinellas County, Florida, that means that the Greek Orthodox people in Tarpon Springs will have lots of festivities and the teen boys who dive for the cross will be very cold today! For those of Latino descent, this is Three Kings Day, also complete with presents and festivities.
Epiphany is a day to celebrate the light of God coming into the world. We see that light in Jesus. The scripture for the day comes from Matthew 4:12- 17:
Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – the poeple who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.’ From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the realm of heaven has come near.’
The light comes to people on the edge, to the margins, the borders. The light comes to those facing death. The light comes to those who are in darkness. We are given the impression that the light comes where it is needed most.
This invites the question: Where is the light needed most in our world today? Where do you think the light needs to shine?
We are told that Jesus begins his ministry after John is imprisoned. John’s active ministry is finished. Jesus carries on. Now, Jesus’ active ministry on earth is over and he has commissioned his followers to take over and carry on.
Thinking about where the light is needed in today’s world, we then ask: What are we doing to shine that light where it is most needed?
Prayer: May we see the light of divine love illuminating our reality, our lives, and all of life. And may we shine that light where it is needed most. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 