Wednesday after Epiphany, 6 January 2021
In today’s reflection, Waiting in Joyful Hope author Michelle Francl-Donnay reflects on Mark 6:50b, Julian of Norwich‘s 16th revelation, and lots of sailing metaphors.
In the comments section below, share your own response to today’s scripture, Francl-Donnay’s reflection, or the accompanying meditation prompt.
He has astounded me by being born poor and powerless over 2000 years ago and still leading us today. He has astounded me by always leading with love and mercy. He has astounded me by walking this earth, breathing this air just as we do. He has astounded me by cherishing those who are lost and going to extreme measures to find them and welcome them home. He has astounded me by dying on the cross for my sins. He has astounded me by rising from the dead, thus conquering death for all. For all of this I am grateful.
Today’s dose of astonishment:
While walking down my street, I ran into yet another stranger with an urgent need to tell her story. This happens to me fairly often—maybe just because I’m a frequent pedestrian, maybe because I emit the aura of someone who likes hearing stories? I don’t know. This story involved injuries that won’t heal, mental illness, disrespect, baptism, and weeping. It was kind of a long story. The storyteller never asked for anything. At the end I thanked her for telling me and asked her to pray for me. She said she would.
Am I astounded that Jesus is a black woman with a busted foot and magenta hair who smokes cigarettes? Nah. What astounds me is that s/he thinks I’m a worthy companion in the cross-carrying. I’m so grateful.
Buona Epifania! Happy Epiphany! My cousin texted me this morning, before the events in our capital. My mind is calming down. My heart is hoping that today’s events are an epiphany for all of us: words matter, building consensus through dialogue must return. It begins with each one of us. Herod’s fear of losing power led to the massacre of the innocents. As Christ was led to his crucifixion, Herod could not bear to His being labeled “King of the Jews,” and asked to have it changed. The act of homage performed by the Magi- bending the knee- is our example. We have to bend our knees before the Prince of Peace, not tell lies to remain standing in power. My epiphany today is to recognize that my country is divided and it must be addressed.