Epiphany Readings: Sunday, January 12

Readings: Isaiah 42:1-9 and Matthew 3:13-17

Reflection Questions:

Mary Oliver, an American poet and Pulitzer Prize winner captures the heart-beat of the season of Epiphany as she simply writes:

PAY ATTENTION
BE ASTONISHED
TELL ABOUT IT

Epiphany marks the third sequential season that celebrates the great and true Light that has come into the world. The season is characterized from the Scriptural account as a time to witness what God reveals in his Son, Jesus. In other words, the season helps us: to See Jesus, to discover him in unlikely places and to wonder about what God is up to as he builds his kingdom on earth through Jesus. It’s also a season that emphasizes witness in the sense of telling others about Jesus. Epiphany is what some might say is the “aha” moments of our lives when we are aware that heaven and earth meet in sacred an uncanny ways. As you reflect on the seasonal readings for Epiphany, take moments to SEE Jesus. Discover creative ways to show and tell what you’ve come to experience in Christ.

  1. Center your attention in God as you read Isaiah 42:1-9. Allow the depiction of God’s Servant and his mission stimulate your imagination. What one facet of God’s Servant or his mission resonates most deeply within you? How might you become more attentive to seeing Jesus in your ordinary life as he is portrayed in these Scripture verses?
  2. Now, immerse yourself in the story of Jesus’ baptism. Imagine yourself as an onlooker in the narrative. What do you see? What do you hear? As a child of God, how might you identify with Jesus at his baptism as you consider your own Spirit-bathed life in God?
  3. What areas of your heart or life might you need a generative washing of the waters of life today? Take time now to speak honestly to God about these things. Ask for the Spirit to come and wash you in the newness of life.

– Elizabeth Khorey