Epiphany: Who am I now?
Guidance on using the lectionary.
Lectionary readings for January 7, 2018: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Epiphany originated in the Eastern Church in the third century as a feast on January 6 to honor our Lord’s birth and baptism. It ranked with Easter and Pentecost as one of the three principal festivals of the Church and featured the blessing of the baptismal water.
Beginning in the fourth century, the Western Church celebrated Epiphany to commemorate that Christ was manifested to the Magi, who were Gentiles. These wise, royal foreigners remind us that Jesus, King of the Jews, was born for all of us.
The word epiphany has come to mean “a sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something . . . an intuitive grasp of reality . . .”, in addition to its traditional meaning, “the manifestation of God in earthly form.”As we observe Epiphany today, we celebrate the journey to the manger and the showing forth of God in unexpected places.
O God,
who am I now?
Once, I was secure
in familiar territory
in my sense of belonging
unquestioning of
the norms of my culture
the assumptions built into my language
the values shared by my society.
But now you have called me out and away from home
and I do not know where you are leading.
I am empty, unsure, uncomfortable.
I have only a beckoning star to follow.
Journeying God,
pitch your tent with mine
so that I may not become deterred
by hardship, strangeness, doubt.
Show me the movement I must make
toward a wealth not dependent on possessions
toward a wisdom not based on books
toward a strength not bolstered by might
toward a God not confined to heaven
but scandalously earthed, poor, unrecognized…
Help me find myself
as I walk in others’ shoes.
Kate Compston, England, 1990
From Bread of Tomorrow: Prayers for the Church Year
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Are you aware that the last twelve lines of Kate Compston’s poem are actually a traditional prayer song from Ghana? She quotes it word-for-word, except in the original version “god” is not capitalized. I have seen her poem published in several places with no attribution of this. It is indeed a powerful poem, but it is not OK for her to have appropriated the most beautiful lines in it without citing her source and inspiration. Just FYI. . , in case you’re interested in verifying your sources on this blog. Maybe it doesn’t matter to some of your readers, but I’m hoping it does to you. Thanks.
Hello. I am reading this in 2022. This post was so meaningful to me and spoke the words of my heart. Thank you. I have added my name to receive any additional comments. Perhaps this column is only for clergy? I am recently retired from years of working as a family therapist.
I’m new to using the lectionary. This week readings should be from the Second Sunday After Epiphany
January 14, 2018 in anticipation of Sunday January 14th correct? Thank you!
You got it.
Dear Ruth, Thanks so much for sharing Ms. Compston’s poem which describes our heart’s cry for the Lord’s leading in 2018. To be sensitive to His Holy Spirit, to be brave in following His leading into the unknown, and for reassurance that He is with us along the way as our ‘Journeying God’. Every message you share with us is so uplifting and encouraging – equipping us to positively deal with the many issues of those we minister to. You are a blessing!
Thank you!
Great analogy between the magis’ journey following the star and our own spiritual journey. Thanks, Ruth!
You’re welcome. One of the reasons I love marking Epiphany is that it celebrates the faith journey itself–the journey into the unknown in response to something new God is stirring within us. That’s the journey I always want to be on!
This was a blessing to me!!! I would like to receive more from the Transforming Center
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