The Christian feast of Epiphany primarily commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ child, which in turn represents Christ’s physical manifestation to the Gentiles. It is also sometimes called Three Kings’ Day or Little Christmas. In the Orthodox Church, Epiphany is known as Theophany and commemorates Christ’s baptism by John in the Jordan River.
The everyday meaning of the word epiphany has come to mean a revelation, or a sudden intuitive perception or insight into the essential meaning of something.
What are the factors that lead to an epiphany? Certainly, the Holy Spirit has a part in revealing to us the true meaning of a thing through something we hear, or read, or have been thinking about. The three Magi were actively searching for the meaning of the star. But are we actively looking for Christ and a recognition of the Divine in our lives?
Quoting from the book of Romans and the Psalms, the Rule of St. Benedict (Prologue) tells us, “Let us arise then, at last, for the Scripture stirs us up, saying, ‘Now is the hour for us to rise from sleep.’ Let us open our eyes to the deifying light, let us hear with attentive ears this charge which the divine voice cries daily to us, ‘Today if you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.’ ”
We are hardly prepared to receive an epiphany if we aren’t paying attention, or “listening with the ear of our heart,” as Benedict would put it.
I tend to be somewhat earthbound, absorbed in the mundane things going on around me in my day-to-day existence. It is my prayer to be more awake to the presence of God in my life throughout the day.
Prayer
Patient and ever-present God, thank you that you call me to a new life in Jesus Christ. Awaken me from a passive half-awake faith, and help me to eagerly respond to your call. Let me listen to your voice and open my eyes to your light. Amen.
Improbable Benedictine 