The Time after Epiphany
The Sundays after Epiphany (like the Sundays after Pentecost) are sometimes called Ordinary Time - not because they are routine or mundane, but because their primary rhythm has to do with following the Sundays "in order." Indeed, each Sunday is a celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead on the first day of the week, and it is this holy mystery that animates, renews, and transforms our life of faith.
There are certain notable features of this period of time in the Christian year. First, these Sundays are bracketed by festivals that concern the identity of Jesus Christ: Baptism of the Lord and Transfiguration of the Lord; according to the Gospels, at each of these events a voice from heaven claims Jesus as God's beloved Son. Second, the Revised Common Lectionary readings for the time after Epiphany highlight the themes of Christian vocation, discipleship, and community. Third, this is a flexible period of time: it may include from four to nine Sundays, due to the variable date of Easter.
COLOR: green, except for Baptism of the Lord (white) and Transfiguration of the Lord (white)
- from the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship (2018)
There are certain notable features of this period of time in the Christian year. First, these Sundays are bracketed by festivals that concern the identity of Jesus Christ: Baptism of the Lord and Transfiguration of the Lord; according to the Gospels, at each of these events a voice from heaven claims Jesus as God's beloved Son. Second, the Revised Common Lectionary readings for the time after Epiphany highlight the themes of Christian vocation, discipleship, and community. Third, this is a flexible period of time: it may include from four to nine Sundays, due to the variable date of Easter.
COLOR: green, except for Baptism of the Lord (white) and Transfiguration of the Lord (white)
- from the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship (2018)