The Father's Voice           

During the season of Epiphany, we celebrate the Good News that Jesus of Nazareth is not only the Savior of the Jews (the message of the angel to the shepherds at Christmas), but He is also the Savior of the Nations. This season begins on January 6, the Day of Epiphany. On this day we rejoice that the Gentile magi from the east came to see the Infant King. In Epiphany, we hear the words from the Holy Bible that proclaim to us how God was made manifest in Jesus Christ. Jesus is both truly man born of the Virgin Mary and also at the same time truly God begotten of the Father from all eternity. He has been sent from the Father. Throughout the Sundays after the Epiphany, our Gospel Readings focus on the revelation that Jesus is the Son of God. 

                       

The theme for the First Sunday after the Epiphany is the Baptism of our Lord Jesus in the Jordan River. The appointed Gospel text for this First Sunday speaks to us with the voice from the Father declaring to Jesus, "You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Mark 1:11 NKJV) With these words we are assured that Jesus truly is the unique Son of God in whom there is neither sin nor any displeasure. This event in the incarnate life of Jesus marks the beginning of the His public ministry in which He proclaims the Kingdom of God with His words and with His miraculous actions verifying that He has been sent by the Father to win for us the Kingdom.     

                                                                    

On the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, the theme of the day is tied to the transfiguration in which the Apostles Peter, James, and John saw the revealed glory of Jesus as He talks with Elijah and Moses. Again the Father's voice is spoken to us when He declares, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Mark 9:7 NKJV).                  

As the voice of the Father directs us to Jesus, we as sheep listen to the voice of our Good Shepherd who declares to us, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life" (John 5:24 NKJV).