Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’

In Australia we hurry to pack Christmas away. No sooner do the wise men arrive, then we immediately pack up the whole nativity scene. European churches don’t send them on their way until the end of January. The season of Epiphany continues until the Presentation of the Lord on 2 February. This gives time to ponder what amazing things have occurred and how the coming of the Christ-child might impact our lives.

The Gospel for today, and for last Sunday, focuses on the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. John the evangelist, has John the Baptist pondering on the person of Christ. Twice John says “I myself did not know him”. He receives confirmation of the Messiah through the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove.

“Epiphany” means “manifestation”. The arrival of the wise men makes Christ manifest to all peoples, not just Israel. The Baptism of Jesus is another epiphany. This Gospel manifests the Christ, the Son of God, who baptises in the Holy Spirit. It reveals Jesus’ vocation. Christ, offers us baptism in the Holy Spirit. In Baptism, that sonship is extended and we are called to be daughters and sons of God. With this our vocation is revealed.

In these remaining, quieter weeks of January, before work is in full swing and Lent comes upon us, we might ponder on how Christ is made manifest through his birth and his baptism and how, in extending that baptism to us, we are called to manifest Christ in our lives.