Wednesday 6 January 2016

The Epiphany star today

Responding to a restlessness within
The Magi embarked on a journey
They followed their star,
a sign that called them out of the comfort
of familiar patterns
to seek fulfilment of their yearning.
They set out
with no guarantee of success,
not even sure what success might look like.
They set out to encounter the Unknown
but longed for.
Seen as strangers,interlopers, imposters,
greeted at times with deference,
but also with suspicion.
What turmoil did their journey incite
in those they left behind
and in those who greeted them
on the road?
What joy and destruction
did they leave in their wake?

And if, today, our restlessness 
should compel us to follow a star:
How will we know we are heading in the right direction?
Will there be markers along the way?
Or is it simply the compulsion of our faith
that spurs us on?
Who will accompany us on the journey?
What must we leave behind?
Will we be mindful of the passions 
of those we encounter on the path?
Of the longings we stir up in others?
And what gifts might we bring?
What, for us, would be as precious
or as insightful
as gold, frankincense and myrrh?

May your Epiphany star
guide and compel
and lead you to fulfilment.
May you discover your passion
and the resources within
to bring your unique gifts
and pay homage to the babe
long gone from the stable
but still drawing those who seek 
on an unpredictable adventure in faith.
May you see that star
poised over the shelter for the homeless
or pausing to illuminate
lives touched by grief,
the Epiphany Star
guiding those who worship the Christ child
to all those places
where the Incarnation
is needed today.

2 comments:

  1. Lovely, Liz. Beautifully discomforting! Restless Epiphany blessings to you.

    ReplyDelete

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