Today marks the end of the Epiphany season. The season began two months ago with the story of the wise men guided by a star on a journey to Bethlehem to find the infant Jesus. The season ends with the story of the Transfiguration. Jesus up on a mountain with a few of his disciples. Jesus in a new, changed appearance—his face shining like bright sunlight, his clothes a radiant white.
Central to both stories, and to the season itself, is the image of light. When we celebrated the birth of Jesus at Christmas, we spoke of a light shining in the darkness. Each Sunday in the season of Epiphany, as part of the Eucharistic Prayer, we have heard these words: “Because in the mystery of the Word made flesh, you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts. . .” That is the gift of Epiphany: a light that we carry in our hearts. The light of Jesus. The light of love.
In a few days, on Ash Wednesday, we will enter the solemn season of Lent. Lent is a stark, often bleak time, seemingly devoid of light. We may feel that we have shut the door on the Epiphany season, leaving it all behind. But that is not true. We still have the gift of Epiphany: the gift of light in our hearts. May that light continue to shine brightly, bringing warmth, comfort, and strength as we move forward in our journey of faith.
Peace,
Deacon Sue Nebel
No comments:
Post a Comment