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3^rd SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

Last Sunday we reflected on the Lamb of God as the controlling metaphor for Jesus and his efficacious work.  But we now shift on this day from the Lamb of God to the Light of the World (Isaiah 9).  Still wet from his baptism, Jesus calls people to God in such a way that Matthew makes a theological connection: Jesus must surely be the light described by Isaiah that draws people to God.  In our lesson, Jesus implores metanoia and calls people to follow him (Matt. 4:17-22).  Finally, in the epistle lesson Paul reminds us that the light which is Christ is not one among many, but the Light that gives light to others; thus, we are to value unity in Jesus vis-à-vis divisions and quarrels that come from lesser allegiances.
 

Psalm 27:1, 4-9—The lord is my Light and Salvation

This psalm carries the theme of divine Source-light--The lord is my light and my salvation (v.1)--and sounds forth a remarkable declaration of faith despite difficult circumstances. Mixed within the psalm are statements of trust and confidence--why should I be afraid? (vs. 1) or The lord will hold me close (v. 9).
 

Isaiah 9:1-4—Deep Darkness and Brilliant Light

When kings prove faithless—as does Ahaz in Isaiah 7-8—and conquest takes land from people—such as happened to the inhabitants of Zebulun and Naphtali—the prophetic writings turn toward a better future with better leadership in the person of Messiah.  Such we have in our lesson for this day: “The Light of a New King.”  We have the promise of justice under a righteous king.  In the new age of peace among all peoples, Zion will be lifted up, the light will shine, and all nations will come to it (Isaiah 9/2:1-4).  The Lord will act to save, to redeem, and to transform; the result will be glorious light and joy and liberation.

1 Corinthians 1:10-18—Many Divisions, but One Unifier

No sooner has Paul pronounced the Amen to his eucharistia, than he launches into an imperative:  get it together in mind and purpose; don’t splinter into petty groups that revolve around personalities and leaders.  This piece of ancient teaching is always a good reminder to us post-modern Christians to remember who should be at the foundation for all of our endeavors, at the heart of all of our committees and at the center of all worship: Christ alone.

Matthew 4:12-23—Casters / Menders / Followers

Déjà vu!  Matthew quotes from our first lesson to begin the gospel reading for this day:  “ . . . the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light . . . ”   Matthew, ever the writer with an eye for prophetic fulfillment, sees Jesus as the fulfillment par excellence.  The first part of the Gospel reading establishes context and fulfillment while the second part of the passage provides a “for instance,” or an example of how Jesus draws people to God.  The two parts work together hand in glove, for the ancient Isaiah passage refers to the same location that forms the context for the calling story in Matthew: the area around Galilee.