Word to the Wise
Saturday, January 3, 2015 - Jan. 3
[1 John 2:29-3:6 and John 1:29-34]"I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upo him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God." [John]
We are in the liturgical season of Christmas/Epiphany. The Magi are still on the way and are expected to arrive tomorrow! Have you already put them away in the closet or attic? In the western Latin church (to which I believe most of the Beloved Congregation belong), we celebrate their arrival as the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. The word "epiphany" means to shine out or reveal. However, the scriptures during the week have been giving us other and different "epiphanies" than the familiar three (determined by tradition) figures from the "East." For example, the encounter of Jesus' parents with Simeon in the temple is an example. We have another today in John the Baptist.
The epiphany for John the Baptist is the vision of the Spirit coming to Jesus at the time of his baptism by John in the Jordan. (Note the use of the word "remain" which I have called your attention to in past reflections about the Gospel of John). John's words: "Now I have seen and testified..." are the words of a disciple. We can say the same about the shepherds who come to the manger or Anna who follows Simeon in the temple scene. These are all, in their way, "epiphanies of the Lord," in which there is recognition and faith. Can we recall something like that in our own lives? Is there a "star" that we may have followed? Are we fellow-travelers with the Magi? Of this, more tomorrow! AMEN
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