3 weeks ago

Epiphany Meditation: The Encounter

Their journey was over. They had followed the star their astrological wisdom had assured them would guide them to their destination. These magi, these Persian mystics, had dutifully responded to a calling to a foreign land ruled by a tyrant whose encounter they could not avoid knowing all along they’d never keep the deadly bargain he would require them to make with him.

Many believed it was the Magi who had wisdom to bring to a newborn child and his family a peasant Galilean couple who wondered how they could ever raise this miraculous newborn. Perhaps the magi, themselves, believed that. But when they arrived they realized the tables had been turned. The common wisdom of the fields borne by shepherds who themselves had followed this same bright star had preceded them to the manger.

They stood there dazzled by the light that had come into the world that Christmas night. And so the wise men and women crowded in drawing close to the manger only to discover that it was the child who had wisdom for them.

As they leaned in close, some would later swear they heard the baby saying the following words: “Awaken! Open your eyes! Open your ears! Open your minds! Open your hearts! For the kingdom of the Holy One has come near and is already here. It resides within each of you and can be found all around you. Everywhere you look, the holy smiles back at you beginning with your own faces which bear the divine image.

The vision from this cradle that dazzles you is a mere foretaste. For it is you who are the light of the world! It is you who are the salt of the Earth! Your wisdom drew you here but the wisdom you encounter here will bring life in abundance to all.

So, awaken. The time is now. Arise, shine for your light has come. And the glory of the Holy One rises within you, among you and upon you.

Awaken!”

[Image: Matthias Stomer, Adoration of the Shepherds (1632)] ... See MoreSee Less

1 month ago

St. John’s Episcopal Church
Globe, Arizona ... See MoreSee Less

1 month ago

When I took this photo last January, it immediately made me think of the Star of Bethlehem. So this Christmas, I added a relevant bible quote to the photo. Merry Christmas everyone! ... See MoreSee Less