Personal Epiphany (01/05/2025)

The Epiphany of our LORD holds a special place in my life. I was baptized (1950) and married (1969) at the Cathedral of Epiphany Church in Sioux City, Iowa. My oldest daughter was also baptized there during the Easter vigil liturgy in 1971. I spent many hours in that beautiful place of worship; the stained-glass window directly above the sanctuary captures the wonder of the Magi’s visit to pay homage to the newborn king, Jesus. And eventually, I had my own Epiphany as I sat in that church, heard the readings of Epiphany, and realized that I need to look for Christ in my midst daily.

Matthew’ account of the visit of the Magi makes two important points: Our LORD is an active God who seeks to draw us to Himself and how easy it is for us to miss the LORD’s power and presence in our midst. The LORD set the Christmas Star in the sky. It was visible to all, but only a few from a distant land took note of it or sought its meaning. Jesus' birth and presence among us went unnoticed except for the shepherds who were alerted by the angels and the magi who followed the star.

I remember my own Epiphany years ago when I recognized on that feast in the readings the LORD’s call to me to pay attention, to open my eyes and see, to open my ears and hear, to open my heart and make room for the LORD. Since then, I have actively sought to remain vigilant to the LORD’s power and presence at work around me and in me. And I have not been disappointed. Our LORD is an active and loving LORD who accompanies us, fortifies us, tends to us daily. Sometimes it is through others sent by the LORD to love us. Sometimes it is through divine providence when what we need is there. Sometimes it is through the LORD’s power in response to our prayer.

As we continue our journeys of faith, hope and love, let us commit to being vigilant, to watching for the LORD’s power and presence in work in the world around us, at work in the people around us, at work in us. Let us look for the LORD with assurance that the LORD is here in our midst. Christ promised us, “I will remain with you always.” He also promised us that if we remain in Him, He will remain in us. And we know Him to be trustworthy.

May today be an Epiphany for us all. May we see the LORD in our midst. May we experience His loving presence.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.