Look! Over Here!

Welcome to the Season of Epiphany, between the Twelfth Day of Christmas and Lent/Ash Wednesday. The liturgical color is green, for growth and renewal. The word Epiphany comes from the Greek EPIHANEIA, the shining forth of God’s glory in the Nativity (Christian tradition). Not only are the days growing lighter, so is the concept of the presence of Jesus as a growing light. Those in the pews are called to see that light and let it shine more strongly through them.

Third ISAIAH wrote ostensibly to the returnees from Babylon; yet this oracle, 60:1-6, has been seen as a divine promise of the vindication of God’s People. We know from the headlines about “thick darkness”: it bears a personal anxiety of its own. ”But the Lord will arise upon you”! and the Nations and their rulers are expected to come to your light. The camels of rich nations will bring gold and frankincense–does this sound familiar? Will you react as People of the Light, reflecting and pointing to the Light? ”Lift up your eyes and look around…”

  St. Paul never misses a chance to tell of his own epiphany on the Damascus road. Here in EPHESIANS 3:1-12 he expands the Light to include ALL, not just the Chosen People. He speaks of the “mystery” of Christ as a revelation to humans who are waiting for access to God. Paul doesn’t know the Wise Men legend, yet he affirms the “boundless riches of Christ”: we attain “wisdom” as we accept these gifts, not just in search for the Baby Jesus but realizing that Jesus has searched for and found US! 

MATTHEW 2:1-12 tells the story of the Wise Men (sic), whom the early Church limits to three, each bearing a symbolic gift. Their epiphany was the realization that the prophecy, as in Isaiah, of a coming messianic savior has weight; and their willingness to travel a far journey to accept the Baby as the Appointed One. We hold the Wise Men dear through artistic portrayals and song, appreciating not only their travels but also their faithful sharing of their insight. Please note that they returned to their country by another road; even Wise Men do things differently when met by the Baby Jesus.

The thrust of these readings is to call the Church to see the radiance of God’s Glory and to emulate the Wise Men in going to the Ends of the Earth to tell about it. Paul-like, we’re to speak of our own epiphanies as both congregations and individuals. ””As with gladness [those] of old did the guiding star behold; As with joy they hailed its light, leading onward, beaming bright; So, most gracious Lord, may we evermore be led to thee.”–William C. Dix

In the process of unfolding,   Horace Brown King

Meet me every Tuesday as we explore passages to be read on the upcoming weekend. Please note that this blog may be accessed ONLY at horacebrownking.com