THEOLOGICAL CLUE

Manifestation and ministry continue to be the dominant theological and liturgical themes for this Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, which provide the homiletical clue to the selection of readings and the sermon itself. The theological framework of the church year is quite "thin," almost indiscernible in the middle of Epiphany; actually, the beginning and ending of the season keep the manifestation/ministry themes in focus. The celebration of the Transfiguration on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, as it is built into the Common and Luthern lectionaries and church years, strengthens the theological framework of the season. 1 Corinthians and Matthew continue to be read in semi-continuous manner throughout the season. The ministry of Jesus reveals who he is; it makes the incar…