Today we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany: the mystery of God’s revelation in the form of the Christ child. The ancient story foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures and told anew in the gospel of Matthew (2:1-12) has been sung throughout the ages, portrayed in numerous works of art, and reenacted in many a school play – Magi journeying from afar, following the luminous star of the Holy One, to pay homage to a newborn savior king with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Etched in my memory is the claymation version of a fourth wise man so to speak, the Little Drummer Boy. I guess I relate to his scruffiness and vulnerability more than the resplendent caravan. With the “three kings” having borne their gifts to Jesus, the poor boy wonders what he possibly can offer… And then, he knows. ”Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum, on my drum?” The infamous Christmas carol continues, “Mary nodded…the ox and lamb kept time [I like that part]…I played my best for Him….” And the baby smiled. I still get goosebumps entering the scene.
It may be cutesy and cuddly, but what I see is someone who doesn’t look like much giving his whole little self before God. What he had to give was his song, his particular created by God life-melody. His humble offering freely and generously given lit up the lowly space where the Divine chose to lay. The wide-eyed, playful child in me who is still aware enough to recognize God’s Presence despite circumstances or surroundings to the contrary, wants, too, to fall on my knees and worship and give whatever gift I have that will make God smile.
I don’t always know what that gift is. There are times I feel I have nothing to give. But I am guided by these wise words of Sr. Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy: “We have one solid source of happiness in all our journeying – We can keep our hearts fixed on God.” With the grace of a heart open and seeking God, we can count on God illuminating our deepest selves and drawing out our unique gifts to reveal God’s nature in the world. Each of us bears a light to share. Don’t you just know when you are in the presence of someone who is being faithful to their inner guiding star? Doesn’t it make you smile?
Along with marking Epiphany in the church year, we remember our dear friend and creator of Inward/Outward, Kayla McClurg, who died on this day one year ago. She was one who faithfully followed her guiding star and illuminated the Word in ordinary-extraordinary ways through her writing. I close with these words of hers: “We leave not only a carbon footprint as we journey on planet earth, but a soul print as well. Scattered around us everywhere we go is tangible evidence that we have been in this place. And as a result of our presence, this place is either more—or less—loving and hopeful and prone toward mercy. … The Light of the World has come and shines through us—yes, even us!”
For reflection:
- What will you do with the Light given you?
- Where can you go to be encouraged to listen deeply and develop your gifts for God’s delight?
-Trish Stefanik, Overlook Retreat House at Dayspring
