To have an epiphany is to experience suddenly a lovely expression of the Fullness of Mystery in the world. Epiphany describes the experience of the Magi. The Magi are three wise travelers who seek that Fullness of Mystery and experience, suddenly, its lovely expression. Their experience is realized in the face of a child. The Magi are prepared to receive the gift of Fullness. They are also prepared to extend gifts to Fullness. Gold is for the child who will reveal every child as a treasure. Frankincense is for the little one who will reveal Real Presence in their own and in each soul encountered. Myrrh is for the baby who will reveal the gift of love amidst the suffering known to us all.
Epiphanies are ours if we choose to go through life seeing Divinity’s lovely face in our world, especially in the young ones among us. We will be surprised and delighted at the gifts we receive. From 5 year old Sophia Cruz of the U.S. we received the lovely gift of unity for an undocumented family fearing deportation. From 9 year old Neha Gupta of U.S./India we received the lovely gift of care for children who are orphaned and underprivileged. From 16 year old Ciara Judge, Émer Hickey, and Sophie Healy-Thow we received the lovely gift of using natural bacteria to boost crop yield to provide more food to more people. From 18 year old Kelsey Juliana, and 20 other climate-conscious youth of the U.S. we received the lovely gift of courage for getting the U.S. government to make the climate hospitable for future generations of children. From 14 year old William Kamkwamba of Malawi we received the lovely gift of ingenuity when he built a wind turbine from scraps. From 13 year old Richard Turere of Kenya we received the lovely gift of harmony between people, lions, and cattle when he devised perimeter lion lights. From 18 year old Joshua Wong of Hong Kong we received the lovely gift of freedom when he helped lead the Umbrella Revolution, the largest youth pro-democracy movement. From youth across the world we are receiving gifts of great meaning. They reveal to us the Real Presence of God in the face of new vibrant life.
“Once more the storm is howling, and half hid Under this cradle-hood and coverlid My child sleeps on…. May she become a flourishing hidden tree That all her thoughts may like the linnet be, … O may she live like some green laurel Rooted in one dear perpetual place. … Have I not seen the loveliest woman born.” (A Prayer For My Daughter – William Butler Yeats)
Prayer: Spirit of Epiphanies, help me to receive all children as a lovely gift.
Question: What are the gifts I am prepared to give the children of tomorrow?
January 8, 2017 Gospel Matthew 2:1-12 Feast of the Epiphany