Scripture Reflection, January 4, 2026, The Epiphany of the Lord

Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12

Today’s readings are filled with challenging and intriguing concepts, designed to prompt us to think intently and act decisively. The more we study them, the more we will receive from them. As usual, the messages are relevant, not only for the people of biblical times, but for all of us. For myself, I am particularly challenged and intrigued by the theme of “inclusivity”.

Isaiah’s passage begins with a reference to the darkness that is covering the earth, and the thick clouds covering the people, both literally and figuratively - sounds a lot like Northeast Ohio in wintertime. However, there is a strong element of hope in this passage…hope that is contingent upon action on the part of all who hear the message. He references a new day that is dawning where “…upon you the Lord shines and over you appears his glory”. The grey days of war and famine are gone. People from various nations are entering the country, bringing with them gifts of both talent and treasure; and especially bringing a hunger to know the God whom the Israelites worship and adore. This is all a foreshadowing of today’s gospel from Matthew.

And the spirit of inclusivity continues in Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, as he writes: “…the Gentiles are co-heirs, members of the same body, and co-partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel”. From the time of his conversion, Paul championed inclusivity, insisting that Christ’s message was for all people, not just for the Jews.

In today’s gospel passage, we are reminded once again, that kings from far away lands saved the life of the infant Jesus by withholding his location from Herod. How wonderful that these “foreigners” were willing to act in such a courageous way on behalf of Jesus, and all of us who would eventually come to follow him.

People from many different lands, working together, celebrating together, finding new ways to come together and live in faith. Theirs is a powerful spirit of inclusivity. I like to think of that spirit as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit (and so, it seems , does St. Paul) - God’s Spirit at work in all of today’s readings.

How are we, today, being called to act courageously with a spirit of inclusivity?

by: Bill Miller