A Reflection from The Rev. Eileen O’Brien
Dear People of St. James’,
The French novelist and screenwriter Marguerite Duras once wrote, “The art of seeing has to be learned.” This may sound like a strange thing that only a rather strange French author would write. Why should I have to learn how to see? Either I see, or I don’t see. Right?
But perhaps that is not so. Many artists, theologians, and activists can trace their creative paths back to a moment of revelation in which they were suddenly able to see the invisible dimensions of the world. For what is art, or theology, or public witness after all, if not dynamic contemplation? And what is the task of the artist or theologian or activist if not to see beyond the seeming realities of the world into a deeper more real reality, filled with possibility? Rowan Williams would gently correct Duras to say that we cannot through sheer force of will learn to see, rather we are transformed through epiphany, which is always gift. We can learn to receive the gift.
For Paul, the gift was a vision of one who was both stranger and Lord on the road. For Pablo Neruda, it was a boy’s hand extended in offering through a fence. For Martin Luther, grace and forgiveness were found in a thunderstorm and in a tower. For James Baldwin, it was the reflection of the city in an oil slick upon a puddle. For the magi, it was a star and a child.
With Epiphany and the season after Epiphany, we are called into a season of dynamic contemplation. Through dynamic contemplation, we learn to receive the gift of what we have seen in God coming to dwell among us that gives us a hope in which we can trust and that teaches us about the sacredness of life.
The challenge of this time is to receive the gift and to share what we have witnessed with each other, even as we so rarely get to see each other in the flesh when our city is in Stage 5. Some will write articles for the Statesman; others will let their voice ring out in the virtual choir or in readings from scripture; others will bring their epiphanies to Bible study and prayer. Notes of condolence or thanks will be sent; phone calls will be made so that we can hear one another’s voices and laughter. How will you take the risk of bearing witness to what you have seen with God’s help?
Lord of Light, give us the gift of Epiphany and the love and courage to share what we have seen. Amen.
Peace,
Rev. Eileen
