Dear Ones,
As we draw near the end of the season of Epiphany, I find myself grateful for the “epiphanies” in my life. Epiphany means “manifestation,” and the season is bookended by the manifestation of the “light of God in the face of Jesus Christ” to the magi in Bethlehem, through the descending of the dove and the voice of God calling him “my beloved son” at his baptism at its beginning, and the mysterious story of Jesus glowing and chatting with a deceased prophet and patriarch on Mt. Tabor (the Transfiguration) at its end. Epiphanies indeed!
The ever deeper realization of God’s love for me (I am God’s beloved child– You are God’s beloved child!–We are God’s beloved children!), the realization that that love is for EVERYONE (ALL are God’s beloved children!), and the knowledge that the reality beyond what we can see is ever-present to us and can sustain us through the harshest realities this life brings are especially powerful for me this year. What about you? What epiphanies are you having?
Near the beginning of the season, after we celebrate Jesus’ baptism, as he begins to encounter those who would become his disciples, somewhat tongue-tied, they ask him, “Lord, where are you staying?” He says to them, “Come and see.” Come and see– show up, and see what God can do. I think that’s a pretty good set of instructions for the spiritual life. The table is set, you are invited– come and see what epiphanies are in store for you!
The study of Celtic spirituality which concluded last night was an epiphany for many of us– a way of faith which honors God in Jesus and in all of humanity and creation itself. The greatest modern teacher of this way, John Philip Newell, will be at Grace all weekend– don’t miss the opportunity to come and sit at the feet of this amazing teacher! Friday 2/13 at 6pm, Saturday 2/14 9am-3pm (register here) and Sunday, 2/15 at 9am and 10:30am for a forum following the combined service.
Pancake joy awaits Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) 2/17 at 5:30, and ashes and prayer will be available all day in the Bell Tower on Ash Wednesday, 2/18. In addition to our 7pm Ash Wednesday Eucharist, this year at 6pm Ruthanne will offer a labyrinth walk with the opportunity to receive ashes in the center.
Cynthia Borgeult, great mystic and teacher of centering prayer, who visited Grace over a decade ago, has been a source of epiphanies in my life. Particularly, her four voices method of discernment has been both profound and useful as I’ve wrestled with important decisions. I am leading a women’s retreat on this method the first weekend in Lent (4:30pm 2/20-noon 2/22) at Mercy Center in Auburn– you are invited! More info here. Rev. Wendy and Lin Weber will be leading services and preaching at Grace that weekend.
Our Soul Searching speaker series continues after this incredible weekend with John Philip Newell! Our own Ruthanne Svendsen will be our next speaker– her generous, centered, loving accompaniment on the spiritual path have been the ground of many important epiphanies for me– come and see what is there for you! Wednesday, March 5, 5pm.
Lastly, this Lent and Easter I intend to focus on the care and provision of the Good Shepherd, who tells us “what we need is here.” In times of great uncertainty– this is our assurance, one that we need from our most tender years until the end of our lives. I invite you to accompany parents, catechists and other adults for a mini Lenten retreat with Jennifer Bell in the atrium, the home of our children’s Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, on March 3 at noon. Email Sarah Christopher if you would like to participate.
What we need is indeed here, dear ones, because God’s love is here for us in this very moment and unto eternity. Let us soak it up like the thirsty earth receiving the rains. And in John Philip Newell’s words which Rev. Wendy so often blesses us with, “Let us be grateful. Let us be aware. And let us be open to what has never happened before.”
Come and See!
In Christ’s deep peace, Amy
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