EPIPHANY: n.
1 (capitalized) : January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ.
2: an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being
3a:
(1): a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something
(2) : an intuitive grasp of reality through something (such as an event) usually simple and striking
(3) : an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure
b: a revealing scene or moment
Today, we celebrated the Epiphany of the Lord; when the wise men of the Orient, guided by the Star of Bethlehem, arrive to find the newborn king.
During the homily, our Deacon reflected and asked, “What exactly does epiphany mean?” In it, he focused on the definition, “a sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something.” He reflected on his own life-moments: marriage, the birth of his children, being ordained a deacon, and the perception of immensity and consequence in these life events and how, forever after, his life would be changed by them.
Lastly, he asked us, “What are we doing to show and live our Faith in the world? How do we outwardly live and express our Faith to others?”
Walking out, I had a chance to speak to many I hadn’t seen in a while. It’s been “a minute” since I slowed down after mass and enjoyed a little simple fellowship without racing off the day’s next event.
In this time, one shared they’d missed not hearing from me in a while, and that they wanted to hear more music. With that in mind, I came home and re-sang something I’ve been working on.
In the spirit of the day, it is on an epiphany of sorts, one of those revelations and illuminating discoveries that come in life that give a clarity and answer to something we couldn’t, before, grasp.
I believe God fills the world with angels—messengers—and that when our spirits are open, we may be instruments for conveyance of messages as well. We never know when, just being present and expressing a little good from spirit, we may serve as an instrument to God and angels to help another to epiphany along their way in life and faith.
God speaks by many signs. Be attentive when they show.