Show Me the Way: Looking for an Epiphany
“O star of wonder … guide us to thy perfect Light” (“We Three Kings”).
Just Give Me a Sign, Already!
Wouldn’t it be nice to receive a sign like the Wise Men did, telling them exactly where to go?
Most of us would appreciate it if direction came in such an easily recognizable form. Often, we try to interpret our surroundings and conversations to uncover God’s messages, which we believe are surely there. More than a few of us have noticed particular song lyrics playing on the radio and thought, “Aha! This is a sign.”
Usually, however, we don’t think we have much to go on and are left exasperated, demanding, “God, just tell me what to do!”
Mary Had a Sign
We recently heard in the Annunciation story that once Mary knew her mission and life’s purpose, she went in haste to see Elizabeth. I’m confident that if we, too, experienced a visit from the archangel Gabriel, an example of one of the biggest signs the world has ever known, then we’d be off and running to begin our mission, too.
Where Is the Map?
If we say we want to follow God’s will, it may seem reasonable to expect a clear map leading us in that direction. Instead, many of us end up seeing an array of signs that point us in opposite directions, adding to our confusion. The mystery is especially frustrating when it concerns big questions such as, “Do I take that job?”, “Do I go back to school?”, “Is this my life partner?”, or, “Should I move?”
Decision-making Is Tough
Signs make things easier. If we follow a sign, then we don’t need to make tough decisions. As Father Mike Schmitz notes in this video, we often welcome the abdication of this responsibility, because the process of discerning and reaching a decision is difficult.
For that reason, we like the idea of an epiphany, whether it replicates the Epiphany of the Wise Men with a clear “walk this way” sign or whether we experience a “sudden insight or intuitive understanding” (the definition of “epiphany” from the American Heritage Dictionary).
Either way, we would benefit from remembering that we need to do our homework to be epiphany-ready. This includes examining questions from different angles, seeking counsel, having the courage to make a decision—and then having the courage to act.
Joy Awaits Us
St. Matthew tells us, “They were overjoyed at seeing the star” (Matthew 2:10). The story of the Wise Men’s journey inspires us to keep looking for guidance that takes us closer to God. We know that prayer, Scripture, and Mass are all steps in the right direction.
Ultimately, for a life lived to the full, the destination is Jesus. When we do arrive at His feet, we need to give our very best: “Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).
The signs are, indeed, around us. Look up. See the heavens. When we set our eyes on Jesus, we’re heading in the right direction.
Linda A. Burrows is an attorney specializing in trust and estate law in southern California. She studied journalism at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, law at Pepperdine, and tax law at Georgetown. Linda is the founder of Soul Soda, a non-profit with the mission of refreshing faith in those, particularly Catholics, who are feeling disconnected from their religious roots. She is a wife and mother of three teens. Linda’s Confirmation name was that of St. Gabriel the Archangel.