“The mystery was made known to me by revelation.” - Eph 3:3A
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of
the Lord. Growing up, I was always a little confused by my mom’s emphasis on
this day. For me, it was the day the Three Kings arrived and gave baby Jesus
gifts, which meant that I would receive one last gift, too, thanks to my mom’s
Italian traditions.
However, as I’ve grown, experienced more of life’s
challenges and rewards, and looked a little deeper at the meaning of epiphany,
Paul’s words to the Ephesians have a more powerful and significant meaning in
my life. Although I sometimes find myself trying to look for grandiose,
concrete revelations of God’s presence from time to time, I’ve learned that God
may not always present Himself in that way.
Making that leap of faith and truly believing that
God is in control can be scary and difficult though. It took me years of asking
God when, where and how before realizing there may not be a shining light or
dream that provided the answers. My epiphany occurred when I made the
conscientious decision to stop asking and looking, and instead began simply to
experience the love that God spreads all around me. That concrete action on my
part to “let go and let God” led to the realization of just how much God did
love me and how many gifts I did have. That epiphany of true, faithful
acceptance led to the best year of my life and discoveries of love and
happiness that I had wasted years waiting for a mysterious revelation to occur.
God, as you revealed yourself to the Magi through
the baby Jesus after their journey of blind faith, help me accept your
revelation in the glory that already surrounds me.
Reflected by Rick Billups
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