* Epiphany

The season of Epiphany is all about light, recognition, and celebration. In Western Christianity this season consists of three such events: the arrival of the Magi (Wisemen), the Baptist of Jesus, and Jesus’ first miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana (in Eastern Christianity there is just one, the Baptism of Jesus). During the season of Epiphany we witness Jesus’ call into ministry, and through the events of the season we also witness the responses of the community and Jesus. I have a good friend and mentor who always says that you have found your true calling if you recognize your call, if others recognize your call and if you have gifts in that area. In this season of epiphany then, we seem to find Jesus’ calling. This is first recognized by the Magi, further by the church represented by John the Baptist, by his family with  Mary and finally accepted by Jesus himself with the miracle at the wedding, and so Jesus is enlightened, recognized, and celebrated. As with most of us finding our calling in life is difficult, and time consuming. Perhaps it is humbling to remember that it took Jesus twenty to thirty years to find his calling in a very different world than the one in which we live. As we pause to reflect in this season, I would encourage you to seek the light in your life and as you recognize that it takes time to celebrate your calling whether as a child, a parent, a sibling, a student/worker etc.