Today we stand in the afterglow of Theophany, that great feast where we witnessed the manifestation of God in Trinity at the Jordan River. The waters that once covered the earth in creation, the waters through which Israel passed to freedom, these same waters now become the site of our Lord's baptism and the beginning of His public ministry.
In our reading from Matthew's Gospel, we hear how Christ, after His baptism, begins His ministry in Galilee. The Evangelist tells us that Jesus withdrew there after hearing of John's arrest, fulfilling Isaiah's ancient prophecy about a great light dawning in the land of darkness. "Repent," our Lord proclaims, "for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
But how does this light spread? How does this kingdom advance? Saint Paul reveals this mystery to us in his letter to the Ephesians. "Grace," he tells us, "was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift." Indeed, each of us has received a portion of Christ's gift, a share in His divine life and mission.
When Christ ascended far above all the heavens, He did not leave us orphaned. Instead, He gave gifts to His Church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. For what purpose? "To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." The light that dawned in Galilee now shines through each of us, through our unique gifts and callings.
Just as the waters of Theophany sanctified all creation, Christ's gifts sanctify all our various vocations. Whether you are a parent nurturing children in the faith, a worker offering your labor as a sacrifice of praise, or a student striving to grow in wisdom – each role is a gift from Christ for building up His Body.
As we continue our journey beyond Theophany, let us remember that we carry within us both the light of Christ and gifts for His service. The same Lord who illumined Galilee now illumines our hearts. The same Spirit who descended as a dove now empowers our ministry. Let us use our gifts, whatever they may be, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God.
To Christ our God, Who for our salvation was baptized in the Jordan, be glory and honor, now and unto ages of ages. Amen.
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