Attentive to Epiphanies, Following the Way

As we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany on January 6—an annual reminder of light breaking into the world—and the sacrament of baptisms this Sunday, we find ourselves in a season of joy and hope. Yet, scripture and current events also call us to acknowledge the shadows of darkness that persist around us.

Matthew 2:1-12 gives us the journey of the Magi from the east following a star to an unknown destination. There is a key there for the new year. We, like the Magi, don’t know what the year holds, but we do know the Way. He is the way, the life and the truth (John 14:6). In the Magi’s journey, we observe five stages of anybody’s journey:

1. They were attentive to signs given by revelation. An epiphany. We aren’t in control of epiphanies, but when they come they “get us” if we are watching, listening, observing.
2. They responded and they moved with hope. Not knowing the destination, they knew enough to follow revelation. They are icons of hope. King Herod had an epiphany as well when questioning the Magi. He responded with fear, hatred, deceit, insecurity and violence. He is an icon of trouble. How do we respond? Hope or darkness? If we are honest, both are in us. Longing and fear. Where are you?
3. The Magi met this darkness in Herod. He uses them for his own dark purposes. In your spiritual journey you will face opposition. Herod’s opposition is very subtle. If we are nothing but innocent and naïve, we aren’t cagey enough to see Herods in our life or our hearts. Be shrewd and innocent.
4. They bring their best: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Give God your best, not your leftovers. Begin the day with Him. End the day with Him. Stay throughout the day with Him, for Him.
5. They returned through a different route. We never come to Christ and go back the same way we came. We never remain unchanged. We will think and act with more self-control, less jealousy, more compassion, generosity and love.

Be attentive to epiphanies, respond, expect opposition, bring your best, travel a new way following the Way.