Many years ago, my wife’s fervent opposition to fashions in Christian theology and life which tended toward the ancient heresy of gnosticism won her the title “Gnostic Buster” from some on-line friends. At its heart, one of the key characteristics of gnosticism is its contention that behind the surface of Christianity is an esoteric gnosis, a secret knowledge known only to a few who have superior wisdom and insight. It’s a heresy because Christian belief does not include any secrets.
Our text for this Sunday on which we will celebrate Epiphany (actually January 6), Ephesians 3:1-12, might cause one to think I’m wrong about Christianity and secrets. Here is Paul talking about God’s secret plan kept hidden for generations. But the thing to realize is that Paul mentions that hidden plan only to say that it has now been revealed. It’s a mystery, but it is no longer secret.
And the mystery is nothing particularly esoteric, nor is it difficult to understand. It’s the simple truth which is the burden of almost all Paul’s letters, that, through the grace of Jesus Christ, Gentiles have been included alongside Jews among God’s people. Through Christ, anyone can join the family of God.
It’s the same message intimated by the Gospel lesson for this Sunday, Matthew 2:1-12, where we see definitely Gentile visitors, likely from Persia, coming to kneel and worship the infant Jesus. There is a place in the circle around our Lord for anyone who wishes to come and adore Him.
In this time of resurgent prejudice, exclusion and discrimination, we need to remember our big Christian secret that is not secret at all. There is no room for racism in our faith, because there is room for everyone in our faith. May we leak that secret to the whole world.
Alex and Craig say “Amen!”
Thanks, guys. Sometimes I wonder if I’m just talking to myself here.