The season of Epiphany is what one might call a "tweener" season. We're out of Christmas. We've passed Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord Sundays. Now we look forward to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. It's what some think a "dead time" in the church, a period to recover from the Christmas season, and to anticipate that time of preparation leading to Lent. But, whoa there, people! Let's not move too fast through the season of Epiphany.
First, what does Epiphany mean? Simply, it is a time of revelation, and that revelation is of God's glory in and through Jesus Christ. Remember Emmanuel from Advent? It was a reminder that Jesus revealed God's very presence ("God with us"), and that God's presence never leaves us. One might say, in more theological terms, Advent marked the "immanence" of God. Epiphany, then, lifts up the "transcendence" of God. For Christians, we see that transcendence in Jesus, the one called the Christ.
Let's not hurry through Epiphany. As we explore the texts for the upcoming Sundays, we'll see that transcendence and immanence appear to come together. The reality is that the two understandings of God can't neatly be separated. What? You mean, we can experience both at the same time? Absolutely, and that's just what we'll see in upcoming readings: the call of the first disciples; confrontation with evil spirits; healing miracles. In combination, each of these texts reveal facets of who God is, and what that means for all believers.
Finally, the last Sunday prior to the beginning of Lent is called "Transfiguration Sunday." For this season, it's not only the culmination of all the preceding weeks of Epiphany, but how these texts come together in God's divine son, Jesus the Christ. It's no coincidence that this text is placed where it is. It is there to remind us that one we see during Lent, the one tempted and the one betrayed is indeed the Son of God, God's very presence among us.
Do not hurry past the season of Epiphany. Take time to contemplate the One called the Christ. Use this time to begin to see him in all his fullness. And, use this time to begin your Lenten preparations. Throughout that season, the divinity of the Son of Man lurks. To understand the passion of Jesus, and to understand God's activity in his death and resurrection, it is important to see Jesus as the one who most perfectly reveals the fullness of God. See you on the road.
Grace and peace,
Mike
January 18, 2015