An Epiphany is a sudden understanding, a clarity, of something that before was not understood. It is an “A-HA!” moment when you “get it.”
The Epiphany of the Lord is such a moment of clear understanding. The wise men had an epiphany brought on by the signs they were observing. Suddenly it all came together in a clear understanding of what was happening, when and where. The three wise men travelled far to seek the newborn king of the Jews. They bore gifts of gold (treasure befitting a King), incense (Frankincense – a pleasing aroma to God and a priestly gift), and myrrh, herbs used in the preparation of the body for burial. You see how poignant were their gifts, how infinitely suitable were their gifts for Christ the King, Christ the Priest/teacher and Christ, the lamb of God. Might I add that none of these gifts was affordable to Mary and Joseph. Indeed, what they received in a monetary value was incredibly great indeed. But the monetary value is nothing when you consider how they honored the infant Jesus and what these gifts were intended to provide practically in his future.
We are invited to have countless and endless epiphanies in our spiritual life and growth. The Bible provides us infinite possibilities for new revelations and new understandings, all of which lead us closer and closer to our intended sanctified state.
I see the journey “home” to God like traveling a road I have been on before but haven’t seen in a very long time. It seems kind of familiar, but some things look so different from my memory and yet it feels “right”, I believe I am going in the right direction. Sometimes you just have a feeling you’re no longer going the right way and so you go back to the last familiar landmark and start forward again, struggling to find the next memory, or call it an epiphany, of knowing you are on the right track. This is our journey, from one epiphany to the next always closer to God in our understanding and our clarity of thought and action.
The first reading this Sunday from the book of Isaiah attempts to stir in us an epiphany, and understanding, of the meaning, the importance, of the light that the Lord shines upon you and how it will dispel the darkness that is over the earth and people. The image of all people coming to the light, gathering in the light from afar and of caravans of camels coming and bearing gifts of gold, frankincense. What is the “light” that God shines upon us? What glory of the Lord will shine with radiance upon us? There is only one thing that can bring about all of these things and that is Jesus the Christ. An epiphany – an understanding – is born. We, too, emit that light and draw others toward Jesus. While there may be darkness still we can be a beacon of light for others that gives them comfort and draws them near.
Even King Herrod recognized the legitimacy of the epiphany of the three wise men and attempted to coerce them into sharing with him the location of this “king of the Jews” so that he could worship him too! He used that word, worship. Herrod knew the importance and the wisdom of the signs. And he was afraid.
Every day, and at least on every Sunday, you are invited to an Epiphany of the Lord. You are invited and encouraged to see with understanding and wisdom the meaning of the Word of the Lord. Everyday you can be a light to others in darkness and draw them closer to God.
The Psalm this week is Psalm 72: Lord, Every Nation #262 in Spirit and Song.
May the Peace and Love of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!