Epiphanies of faith are life-changing

January 6, 2008 -- The Epiphany of the Lord

By Bishop Robert Morneau

	Bishop Robert Morneau
	Questions for reflection: 1. What is your understanding of the term "epiphany"? 2. How narrow or broad is your view of salvation? 3. Why do you think Pope Benedict focused on the virtue of hope?

On Nov. 30, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI released his second encyclical letter, "Spe Salvi, Saved in Hope." One of the concerns of the Holy Father about modern Christianity is the emphasis on personal salvation. The Pope reminds us that God wills the salvation of all and a narrow individualism that focuses primarily on one's own salvation, is short-sighted.

This is certainly one of the themes of the feast of the Epiphany. Isaiah talks to nations walking in the light of God. We see caravans of camels arriving from Midian and Ephah. St. Paul shares a revelation regarding God's mysterious plan: Gentiles, not only the Israelites, are members of the same body and share in the promise of salvation in Jesus. Then Matthew's Gospel has the magi, those foreigners, come to adore and gift the child Jesus. All of this has the sound of universal salvation offered to all.

But something has gone wrong. Divine epiphanies can be missed just as one can miss a plane by arriving too late at the airport, just as one can miss out on life itself by refusing to plunge into the messiness of historical reality. Isaiah was the recipient of God's revelation and he was reading. Not only did he receive the epiphany, the manifestation of God's glory, but he was gifted with the ability to share it with others. This prophet's writings have touched and continue to touch millions of lives. When Isaiah talks about becoming radiant at what you see (epiphany) and feeling your heart throb and overflow, obviously he is speaking out of experience. God broke into Isaiah's life and the prophet saw, rejoiced, and shared his vision with others.

St. Paul was of the same ilk. Thought for a time blind to God's epiphany of salvation in Jesus, Saul-turned-Paul repented of his arrogance and fanaticism and became the great apostle to the Gentiles. He too like Isaiah was given a revelation. He too saw, rejoiced, and went throughout the Mediterranean world proclaiming salvation in Jesus. For those who had an open mind and heart, the message of Jesus brought them salvation.

We know very little about the magi in the Gospel. But their response to the child Jesus and the offering of gifts assume an epiphany that was life-changing. After offering their gifts, the magi returned to their home country by another route to begin another life. All would be changed for them, as it was for Isaiah and Paul, once God's revelation was experienced.

The Anglican spiritual writer Evelyn Underhill maintained that the secret of religion was the transformation of desire. She is speaking here about salvation, epiphany, and revelation. Once God opens our minds and hearts to the mystery of divine love and mercy in Jesus, we have the possibility of authentic conversion. Now we desire, first and foremost, the doing of God's will; our personal desires and preferences are secondary. This new center changes everything.

Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical dealt with the mystery of God as Love. Now, in "Spe Salvi," the Holy Father offers us a serious meditation on hope and salvation. Both documents serve as "epiphanies" of our faith, epiphanies for which we should be grateful.

(Bishop Morneau is the auxiliary bishop of the Green Bay Diocese and pastor of Resurrection Parish in Allouez.)