Epiphany-making manifest

During Epiphany, which is the church season between Christmas and Lent, the lessons in the lectionary focus on ways that Jesus was ‘made manifest’ to the people. Manifest isn’t a word that’s regularly used much anymore. It means “to be obvious, clearly seen or understood”. According to the dictionary it has roots in the Latin manifestus, meaning caught in the act (often in a flagrant act). Maybe when you hear the word 'manifest' you think of a document detailing a load of cargo, or 'Manifest Destiny' (the idea that the westward expansion of the US was ordained). You might think of the hymn by Christopher Wordsworth detailing ways Christ is manifest which I explored back in Epiphany of 2011.

The word epiphany refers not only to the season, but to an ‘appearance (or manifestation), especially of a deity’. It can also mean an insight or perception of what something means and it can be the moment when that insight happens. The word comes from the Greek for apparition or appearing: epipháneia.

On the Feast of Epiphany (January 6), we are reminded that the first manifesting was to the wise men. Their arrival is indicative of Jesus being a Savior for all humanity-for Gentiles as well as Jews. Throughout his ministry, Jesus was known to show no distinction between his care for the Chosen Children of Israel and the Gentiles who sought him out. Romans, Phoenician, Samaritan, or pagan, all were treated equally by Our Lord in his ministry. The wise men or Magi experienced their ‘epiphany’ when they saw the ‘star in the east’ and realized that it meant that a savior was born.

Jesus also makes manifest his Divinity and ministry in the Calling of his disciples. These were unlikely candidates from a human standpoint. They were not learned men, nor were they wealthy or well-known. Each one individually had his own ‘epiphany’ of who Jesus was and realized he had to follow this rabbi, even at the cost of his livelihood.

And, of course, Jesus manifests his Divinity in the many miracles of healing. During this Epiphany season which stretches from now until February 18, we will look at some of the early healing miracles of Jesus. For everyone who was healed, I am sure there was an ‘epiphany’ of who this rabbi was and insight into how their life must change because of being made whole.

So, how does Jesus ‘manifest’ his Divinity today? How are we made aware of Jesus and how do we experience insight into his life and work? How do we respond to our personal ‘epiphany’ of Jesus in our life?

In looking at the Gospel readings from now until Lent, perhaps we’ll find some insights of our own. Perhaps we'll get some ideas of how to 'manifest' Christ in our own lives by 'getting caught in the act' of being a follower of the One who was both human and divine.