We are working our way through the season “after the Epiphany.” It is something of a hybrid. Technically (since the preposition is after, and not either of or in), we are in Ordinary Time—i.e. no particular season, no unifying thematic focus, neither feast nor fast. Hence, the liturgical color is green. At the same time, one can discern implications in the readings that speak of ministry and mission—carrying the gospel to all people, and these notions can be connected with the Epiphany theme of the “manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.” Moreover, on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, we always find the gospel account of our Lord’s transfiguration—a great sign of light that hearkens back to the Star of Bethlehem leading the Wise Men to the infant Jesus. So there is some thread of continuity—not as strong as in Advent, Lent, or Easter, but stronger than in the long season “after Pentecost.” Many communities continue to use Eucharistic Prayer ‘B’, which emphasizes the mystery of the Incarnation.

This being Year C of our three year lectionary cycle, the gospel readings are usually from St Luke. Luke gives us the life and ministry of Jesus from a distinctly Gentile perspective. More than any of the other three evangelists, Luke accentuates Jesus’ compassion for all who suffer, especially his desire to heal the sick. The Holy Spirit also figures more prominently in Luke’s gospel, which serves to cement its connection with volume two of the series—the Acts of the Apostles.

There are no holy days this week, and only one lesser feast: Saturday is the commemoration of Absalom Jones, who was the first Episcopal priest of African descent. Born a slave in 1746, Jones taught himself to read, and as a result of his great tenacity and industriousness, purchased his own freedom at the age of 38. After his efforts to integrate black members into the Philadelphia Methodist congregation where he was a member were rejected, he led the foundation of a new independent African-American congregation, which soon united with the Episcopal Church. Jones was ordained deacon in 1795, and priest in 1804, at the age of 58.