The Light of Epiphany

Beloved in Christ,

"The glory of the Lord has shone upon us, and shall ever be manifest among us, until the day of his return."

This is the opening sentence of the Epiphany proclamation, an ancient tradition of the church whereby parish leaders announce the dates of all the major feasts of the church year on Epiphany. It was a way of reminding the faithful that just as the liturgical year is oriented around the celebration of Easter, so our whole lives are oriented around, and conformed to the pattern of, the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. 

Epiphany is about remembering how the light of Jesus was first revealed in the world, and is an invitation to consider the ways it continues to shine in the present darkness. In the coming Sundays, we’ll hear stories of how the light of God’s love was revealed in the life of Jesus, and be challenged to look for the ways it continues to show up in our own lives today. 

The dawn of a new calendar year offers us fresh perspective and new hope. But make no mistake, as disciples of Jesus, our hope is not grounded in the willpower we bring to New Year’s resolutions. The darkness of disease and death, of poverty and massive injustice, will not be dispelled by a new number on the calendar. Our hope is grounded in the one who draws us into intimate friendship with God, whose light shines brightest in the deepest darkness. I pray you will see that light on this Epiphany, and that through our daily practice together, we might be so consumed by its brightness that we reflect its irresistible glow and warmth to our dark and cold world, until all people are brought together and find healing in the one light of God’s love.

Grace and Peace,

The Right Reverend Craig Loya
X Bishop
Episcopal Church in Minnesota