Today is the final day of the liturgical season of Christmas. Tomorrow is the beginning of the Season of Epiphany, the traditional day that the Magi reached Bethlehem as told in Matthew’s Gospel. The Magi were Zoroastrian priests dating from at least the time of Darius the Great (522-486 BCE).
They were always searching for signs of events to come, and in some way we do as well. When epiphanies occur in our lives they do not come because we are passive lumps; they come because we are alert to the possibilities that can occur.
All of us, in one way or another, have epiphanies, some good, others not so good. The important thing for us is to be alert to all the possibilities that can occur, and not just how we can use them to understand the world around us, but to transform the world into God’s promise of justice and peace.
Prayer for the Day
In response to your call, we come, Spirit who embraces us,
For your presence is a light in the dark of winter;
We are humbled by your gifts to us beyond numbers,
And speak in gratitude for all you have given us.
May we share your gifts with those who are lonely and bereft,
Brining the light of your promise into their lives.
In the name of the One who is your light,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Epiphanies awaken the soul.
Alexander Posey, American Creek poet, journalist (1873-1908)
Without the quest, there can be no epiphany.
- Constantine E. Scaros, from Reflections on a Simple Twist of Fate
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples’
But the Lord will arise upon you, and God’s glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
- Isaiah 60: 1-3