In Search of Epiphany

In these 12 days of Christmas, the Christians among us are tracking towards the Epiphany. Traditionally, Epiphany is the feast celebrating the occasion of the Three Kings who came to worship Jesus. More Orthodox traditions have Epiphany marking the baptism of Jesus, but is there a broader concept of epiphany that can help us as we try to find ways to be engaged spiritually in the world? Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary has one definition of epiphany as: "(1): a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2): an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3): an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure." I think that this is helpful as we search for meaning and understanding of our world and our role(s) in it. Aren't we all searching for the essence of something - of life? Wouldn't it be nice to have a better grasp of how we can make a difference in the world - through a simple and striking event? In this season of light, aren't we all in one way or another searching for illumination for our paths? The quest for epiphany is as real and as meaningful today as it ever has been. By this time next year we will have chosen another President; many disasters will have befallen the world; many millions will be born and will die; new scientific discoveries will be made - some of them revolutionary. Will you be any different in your understanding of who you are and what your purpose is in this world - will I? How is it that you will search for meaning in this new year versus years past? There are many ways to open the inner life to explore how G-d is moving in your life. I recommend a spiritual director (www.sdiworld.org) or good cleric. Make one of your resolutions to open your mind to the possibility of epiphany in 2012. This is a choice that will make all the difference in the world and in you. Peace for the journey and have a blessed 2012! Dan