Church of the
Annunciation

The Solemnity of the Epiphany is a more ancient feast than Christmas. St. Clement of Alexandria writes of worship at the Jordan River in the 2^nd Century that he calls “Epiphany” – a Greek word meaning: “manifestation.” Traditionally “epiphany” refers to three moments in the life of Jesus when God’s glory is revealed and faith is deepened: the visitation of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus and the wedding feast at Cana. There are signs given at each epiphany about the meaning and significance of the event: the star for the Magi; God’s voice from the heavens and the dove at the Jordan; and Jesus changing water into wine. We may ask whether or not epiphanies are just part of our sacred past or are they accessible to us today. 35 years ago I found myself on the top of a mountain on the Island of Maui. It was breathtaking! I realized that creation is not an isolated act of God Creator in the past but always and everywhere happening. It is for me a special insight and moment of awe. Epiphanies occur every day in the ordinary rhythm of life. But we move so quickly, so often are distracted and preoccupied, that we fail to notice. When Magi find Jesus in Bethlehem they pay homage to the new born king of the Jews. “Homage” is a gesture when we kneel with our hands and head touching the ground. We touch the “ground of being.” Let us be more mindful of precious moments/encounters/events when we are more conscious in Christ of the mystery of life and death, of love and God.