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January 6, 2011
Epiphany Day

• The passages from the Bible to Epiphany we have all kinds of alternatives. "Shone and we will rise above the oppressive old views? What paths will choose in favor of global justice kingdom love of God?

"light" is the theme of the next season of Epiphany. We pay special attention to these images of light and darkness, a couple of weeks after the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere.

the prophet who announces the arrival of light in Isaiah 60: 1-3 , speaking after the exile of the people of God to audiences in ancient Judah. The people talking about their time in captivity of Babylon as a period of absence of light. In this passage the light signals a new day. Shines on the people called from all corners of the earth and gathered as a community, a family. Such a view is particularly good news for LGBT people experiencing exile and estrangement from family, church and society. Before

stay away from the house they love, have chosen to return to Jerusalem feeding. The kids come from far and daughters brought in arms. Yes, they return to be cared for and raised her breasts dildos Jerusalem (Isaiah 66: 11). There is tenderness here sensual connotations.

• Where in the world of light and hope is growing dim during this season of Epiphany? Where you ask God to shine?

Today, the association of images of light and darkness must be examined critically. Light and darkness have been frequently linked with the dualism of good and evil. In addition, the dark has been made equivalent to people and used dark feet, in our racialized society, to reinforce the racism in many forms. Linking darkness, with its connotation of evil, and dark-skinned people should be highlighted and condemned.

LGBT people of all colors know how it feels to be in the bottom of dualisms socially accepted and be labeled as "different" or "bad." We wonder, what if you hear the call of God to "wake up" as a call to go beyond these dualisms harmful and become a beacon for the whole community? Actually, it would be a different and wonderful epiphany!

• When have you heard or seen a dark image used for mean evil? What potential problems you see today in this imagery?

Chapter 60 of Isaiah is included in the lectionary readings, because verse 6 mentions incense, supporting the reading of the Gospel of Matthew 2: 11 about the Magi. However, the passage from Isaiah was directed largely to the upper classes as they were above all relatives who were deported to Babylon. Isaiah's reference to the incense is more aligned with the wealth with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, marginal economic means.

The Psalm 72 evokes images of the royal court with his ruler and his empire. Depending dating of the psalm, in Israel or Judah the eighth century C., or at the time of the second temple, the reference ranges of imperial power and oppression. Regardless of dating, the historical exploitation of the majority of people remains the same. In this psalm, the particular ruling is praised for acting fairly and in defense of the poor and excluded. This brings to mind those institutions and states also deserve praise for protecting LGBT people from oppression and violence through its laws.

• Where do you see outside the church or other faith communities, the liberating work of God? What could they teach these efforts to church?

Ephesians 3: 1-12 speaks of the mystery of Christ and offers images of liberation. Invitations to become members of one body (Ephesians 3: 6) can be liberating, while all members have equal status. LGBT people and other marginalized people, we know too well the injustice, however, Serna assigned a second-class status within the body, that body is the church or society. Before this second-class status, here is the promise of unlimited wealth who claim to celebrate diversity and difference.

Regents All these passages-both operators as they bring justice, and poor people "Trapped in a world built by slavery-frame the story of the arrival of the Magi.

The Gospel of the Epiphany. Matthew 2: 1-12, is an alternative history. It is the story of the alternative of privileged people (represented by Herod) to decide between responding to God or try to contain, destroy or prevent the action of God. Moreover, even before the Magi find Jesus, Herod is afraid that they might like the boy-typical of those power brokers trying to make sure other privileged do not take seriously an underdog. The Magi, on the other hand, represent those outside the covenant community (church), which become more attuned with what God is doing to those within the faith community.

• What alternatives do you have or what actions could do to stop the Herod of our time?

The end of the Gospel story, when the Wizards return by a different route, an alternative too, when the privileged partners (in our world allies and supporters of LGBT people) choose another route than support the continuing violence on the oppressed. This is good news for those at the bottom or at the margins.

Jesus, as presented in this gospel story, however, rises as a alternative kind of ruler Herod. Jesus is legitimated from above by a real Christology. Is presented as a king who brings justice and to challenge the Romans to free his people, "a ruler who will shepherd my people" (Matthew 2: 6). However, what is diminished the liberating role of Jesus by the nature of the real gifts of the Magi? Presented gifts of privilege and Jesus is saved while other children are allowed to be murdered by Herod.

This echoes the dynamics of some members of the LGBT communities to prosper at the expense of all others who are abandoned and excluded by society. These are members of our community who judges are not white enough, not sufficiently muscled, not acceptable enough to have a relationship. Similarly, those from lower classes often feel that they can only be validated by the upper class and expect their concessions instead of seeking alliances. We all have choices to make, even when we feel powerless in a field, we have power in another.

• you pray, what are the alternatives, to which you are facing you and your community, that you come to mind? How can the dialogue on these readings for Epiphany shape your response to these alternatives?

Prayer

inclusive

Oh, God of justice,

You have sent Christ to establish your reign of freedom and peace

on earth as in heaven.

thrives every effort to challenge the arrogance,

prejudice and fear,

and thwart all forms of discrimination,

degradation and oppression.

For the one who died at the hands of the oppressors, Jesus Christ,

our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you

and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.