Epiphany
Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:2-6 Matthew 2:1-12
Ever lost your car in a parking lot or forget on which street you stashed it? The usual calm of simply walking to our vehicle, hopping in and moving on to our next destination is rudely unsettled when the dang thing is not where we thought it was supposed to be!
When initial efforts to find the misplaced car prove unsuccessful our initial irritation fades to worries and outright fears that it may have been stolen. Our pace quickens, our glances up and down parking aisles become more urgent and our pressing on the key fob alarm button stronger and stronger….until at last we calm ourselves and remember that we actually parked on a parallel street or in the parking garage and not where we have been searching (as recently happened to FKB!) Oh the joy when OUR vehicle is found…right where we left it!
With the rapid arrival of Epiphany we commemorate the Magi (people of wisdom) searching for and finding Jesus. Intended as a thematic entrance to the Gospel of Matthew, we are reminded that true and deep appreciation of the presence of Jesus will come after searching and following the ‘light.’ On this first weekend of 2011 we have an entire litany of weeks and months lying before us, some filled with regularly celebrated events and many with yet unscripted happenings that will test and stretch us.
Throughout this new year there will be occasions when we lose our way or seemingly misplace our ‘relationship’ with Jesus. There will be times when we slip into treating Jesus in a ‘maintenance’ manner rather than constantly enriching the relationship with ever-deepening conversation and growth in wisdom. It is appropriate that Epiphany, ‘Little Christmas’, comes right at the dawn of this new calendar, urging us to be wise and tireless in searching for the grace/face of God within the events of our lives. ‘God is with us’ is the promise and name of Emmanuel, Jesus.
No matter what the events or experiences that await us, God WILL be with us…that is his promise and that is what he will do. Of course, on our part it may take a bit of searching and periods of frustration when we forget or lose our way or misplace our Jesus relationship…but not to worry, if we keep searching, we will find it…as did the Magi. Just remember, sometimes we need to search in unusual places for the gifts/grace of God….
Thank you for joining with us on this Epiphany weekend. The whole Christmas season is moving at an unusual pace due to the its placement on the weekly calendar…but, not to worry, the grace of God is with us even in unsettled moments! In the next few weeks you will start to receive our 2011 Pastoral Services Material: ‘WE are the rocks upon which WE will build our Church!’ Please take time to savor and consider the messages contained within both the initial letter and Diocesan brochure and then our own parish ‘Build Your Own Church’ mailing. The Bulletin has news and schedules for the upcoming weeks…make sure you take one with you so as not to start the New Year off lost and confused! Happy New Year…and as you seek the gifts and grace of God in unusual places, remember, you are loved. FKB
