The First Sunday After the Epiphany (Year A), Jan. 13, 2008
BCP: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm89:1-29 or 89:20-29; Acts 10:34-38;Matt. 3:13-17
RCL: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matt. 3:13-17
We are accustomed to the scheme of the Epiphany lectionary. The gospel readings give us revelations of the Messiah, each presenting a different facet of the uniqueness of Jesus the Christ of God. As we absorb these insights, we see more of the universality of the gospel mission. One goes with the other. Each revelation shows new dimensions, further extensions, and wider boundaries for God’s kingdom. Then comes the application, the church’s response to the sinners intended for the embrace of God’s grace.
This week brings us the baptism of our Lord in the River Jordan. The clear background of this comes in the first of the Servant Songs of Isaiah. The Spirit, the call, the name of God, the mission to the Gentiles – all are foretold in these verses. Then we read Luke’s account of Peter preaching the good news to the unclean and the impure, the household of the gentile Cornelius.
One theme of the baptism which goes with these lessons is our Lord’s priestly role. John was right—there was no need for him to receive baptism. But there was something Jesus needed to do at this inaugural point of his ministry. If he were going to represent the people he came to save to the Father, he would need to identify with us. This step fulfilled the symbolism of that radical standing with us on our behalf.
From Isaiah’s passage we learn more about him and his ministry. He comes as the suffering servant, full of gentleness and compassion, but also with the cross ahead of him at the end. The cross brings the judgment of God to the nations. Israel, yes, but the gentiles, the coastlands, the islands, Lebanon and Kadesh as well. And that judgment – the term is a judicial one – is God’s pronouncement of mercy through the cross.
Peter’s sermon indicates his acceptance of this view, though God had to break through his considerable prejudices. The Jews used two technical terms for gentiles – impure and profane. Only a priest could reverse these standings. These were the very terms Peter used about the animals lowered in his presence, just before the servants of Cornelius arrived. As God declared the animals pure and sacred, Peter got the message. “Now I perceive that the priestly act of purifying and sanctifying the nations has taken place. Now I understand that God shows no partiality. Now I know that Christ died for all, even gentiles.”
Look It Up
The second Servant Song will be read next week. The themes are the same as the fourth song -- Isaiah 52:13-53:12.
Think About It
Do we show partiality? Are there people, slices of our culture, age groups, groups defined by dress or language whom we neglect? We may not say that they are impure or profane, but we can act like they are.
Next Sunday
The Second Sunday After the Epiphany (Year A), Jan. 20, 2008
BCP: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm40:1-10; 1 Cor. 1:1-9; John 1:29-41
RCL: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-12; 1 Cor. 1:1-9; John 1:29-42
