“Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’”
John 3:3
“I know you’re tired, but come, this is the way.”
Rumi, 13th century Sufi mystic
Today is Epiphany—the celebration of the Wise Men’s visit to the Christ Child. The word Epiphany is from Greek, meaning manifestation or appearance—especially the realization of God’s Presence to an individual who is open to perceiving it. The question is then, how do we become open? How do we have our epiphany? Jesus gave the devout Nicodemus the answer—one that, as it turned out, he didn’t understand. Jesus told him that one must be born from above. Jesus was challenging Nicodemus to move into a greater understanding, fuller living – to open his mind and heart, become vulnerable, have faith in the reality of Spirit. Initially Nicodemus could only think in material terms. He questioned Jesus, “Do you mean I have to literally re-enter my mother’s womb?”
But Jesus invited Nicodemus to see in a new and more expansive way – to live from awareness of his relationship with God and God’s Presence and Power. Jesus encouraged Nicodemus to live from spiritual values rather than material fears and limitations. Nicodemus was willing to make God important in his life. He knew about God from all his years of commitment to spiritual study and practicing his outer religious duties. But he didn’t yet know God. Nicodemus came to Jesus as a seeker. He came at night, cautious, but he came.
How are you like Nicodemus? Are you willing to come to the Christ in you as an honest seeker, willing to know that you don’t know everything, even if you know a lot? Are you willing to let yourself be taught by the Christ? Are you willing to move from your head to your heart and from your heart to your soul? Are you willing to know God—to walk the talk, to make it real? Are you willing to have your epiphany?
In the Love and Light of the Christ,
Rev. Anna
