In the Lectionary
Greater works than Christ's: John 14:1-14
Calling the roll is easier than following the leader.
Scandalous forgiveness: Luke 24:13-35
Appearing to two nobodies going nowhere is an interesting choice.
Holy irony: Matthew 26:14–27:66
At one end of Matthew, Jesus goes free. At the other, cruel, ritualized slaughter befalls him.
Identity confirmation: John 4:5-42
Respectable women made their trips to the well in the morning, not at noon.
Glimpses of glory: Matthew 17:1-9; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Exodus 24:12-18
I’m less inclined that some commentators are to condemn Peter.
Keep seeking: Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; 1 Cor. 1:10-18; Matt. 4:12-23
Light is light. And only light can bring our fragmented darkness into proper perspective and allow us to see things whole.
The eyes of the Christ child (Matthew 2:1-12)
At the center of Epiphany is a mystery of looking. Who looks at whom?
Prodded to life: Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12
Isaiah gives us a vision of what the new anointed one will be like, what gifts he will have and how he will be someone run by Elsewhere—not by the criteria of groupthink, of lobbying groups. His criteria will give voice to the meek who have no voice and don’t know how to use a voice. His words will become the criteria for everything, much to the dismay of the wicked.