01-04-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 4, 2025
Tomorrow, we will be celebrating Epiphany. This is a magnificent moment as travelers from the East enter a young family’s home, kneel down before this young child, and worship him. They knew very little of this child or even these people’s customs, yet they believed there was something so sacred and beautiful that their only response was to humble themselves in his presence. We’ve seen artwork that attempts to capture this moment, but we need to remember that this was a young child. He was probably still young enough that, at some point during the visit, his diaper needed changing. Oh wait! There were no diapers. And even if there had been, I’m guessing there were no diaper wipes or cool genie-like devices that magically captured the stinky soiled cloth. As strange as it may sound, this is where I believe the beauty and sacredness of this moment truly exists—at the point where the holy became, not only incarnate on Earth, but incarnate within the earthiness of human existence. If left to Renaissance art, no one would have dirt under their fingernails, their clothing would look as if it was being worn for the first time after a good cleaning and starching at the dry cleaners, and no one ever had to use the restroom. One Polaroid shot from that day would have dramatically changed all art. I’m not suggesting we toss out amazing renderings of the magi’s arrival, but if you own a digital copy, it’s ok to add a few smudges here and there. 

God, you understand human reality, for you have chosen to dwell among us. Thank you for making your presence known, even in the mucky and unpleasant parts of life. Amen.