Epiphany Bible Study

Email the Rev. Diana Gustafson for more information.

Dates for Class

• January 9
• January 16
• January 23
• January 30
• February 6
• February 13
• February 20
• February 27

Readings and Prompt for Discussion

Please feel free to read the passage ahead of time. However, no preparation is required. Just show up!

The Magi follow a secret sign — a light over Bethlehem — to discover a holy light glowing within a simple stable. Epiphany is a time God’s light is revealed to us and a time when our own inner light of understanding is revealed. The Irish writer James Joyce heightened the meaning of the word ‘epiphany’ as a literary device. His character Stephen Daedalus defines epiphany as “a sudden spiritual manifestation” or heightened moments of perception. A question we can ask during Epiphanytide is, “When have we had experiences such as the Magi’s or as described by Joyce?”

During class we will read aloud the passage once: Where do you see God’s light revealed in these readings?

We will read the passage a second time: Where is a light sparked within you? How does this passage, read in the darkness of uncertain times, open you to God? What inner light of understanding is revealed?

• The First Sunday after the Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord, 9 January 2022
  • “Heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove.”

• The Second Sunday after the Epiphany, 16 January 2022
  • On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee…” 

• The Third Sunday after the Epiphany, 23 January 2022 
  • “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me…”

• The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, 30 January 2022
  • And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown.” 
• The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, 6 February 2022
  • And they came and filled both boats [with fish], so that they began to sink.”
• The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, 13 February 2022
  • “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.”

• The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany, 20 February 2022
  • Jesus said, “I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” 
• The Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Transfiguration Sunday, 27 February 2022
  • And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him.”