The liturgical leap from the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord invites us to connect the dots spiritually and theologically. What connections should we discern in the leap from the Magi visiting the Holy Family in Bethlehem to the Jesus presenting himself to John at the Jordan?
As many commentators have noted, the "dwelt among us" of the majestic Prologue to John's Gospel literally means that the Lord has "pitched his tent" with us. The Second Person of the Blessed Trinity has come to us in finite form: Love in the flesh; the Merciful Face of the Father; the Beloved Son, with whom the Father is well pleased.
The Magi recognized that the coming of Jesus means that the innate human search for meaning and purpose--the quest for ultimate reality--has been turned inside-out. The God whom we seek "out there" has joined us on the journey, "right here." In Jesus, God continues to draw near to us in all of our weakness and frailty and disorientation.
John the Baptist also has eyes to see and ears to hear the arrival of this spiritual revolution. Like the Magi, he has emptied himself of self and opened himself to the mystery of God-for-us. Personal conversion of heart cracks the door which allows the Holy Spirit to sweep the house clean.
This is the epiphany--the eye-opening illumination, the awakening to a mighty manifestation--that we all need to behold. This ongoing mystery of the Lord's Incarnation is meant for each of us personally. It is a revelation of the personal transformation which Christ is working under each of our roofs, wherever we are currently pitching our tents.
Both the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord remind us that God knows we all need a fresh start, and he comes to deliver a new beginning for each and for all. Now and forever.
