Sunday reflections

As we continue our journey, so early in Epiphanytide, still wet behind the ears with baptismal water, we do well to contemplate the objective reality of God's saving engagement with the beloved creation.

I love the way the Orthodox liturgies proclaim the whole mystery of the "Christ event," not just the Paschal Mystery contained in three days but the entire life of Christ. It is all one, inextricably interwoven. There is a shift in reality from the moment of Incarnation. New things come to pass. The world is different even as Christ rises from the waters of the Jordan, raising all creation with him.

All this God does for love.

And now we are called into this saving mystery. Jesus calls the disciples to himself, he calls us to himself. Come. See.

He said to them, "Come and see." (John 1:39a)
The calling of the disciples by Ghirlandaio

And so we enter the mystery. We get a glimpse of a world in transformation--hints of what the reign of God is like, of what is possible, of what life in God really is--and in the process we start to notice that we are being transformed too.

Then we are informed that we shall be sent out as Jesus was sent, to proclaim and be agents of this transformation. Who are we that we should do such a thing?

We are the called. We are the gifted. We are the sent.

You are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 1:7)

Shall we hide this vision? Be silent about this message? Hold back what is so graciously given?

I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; * behold, I did not restrain my lips; and that, O Lord, you know.

Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; * I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation.

You are the Lord; do not withhold your compassion from me; * let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever.

Psalm 40:10-12 (BCP)

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.

--the BB