Epiphany
February 23, 2017
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-21
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. –2 Peter 1:16-18
I changed ophthalmologist a couple of years ago, very carefully researching what sources are available to find a good one that was recommended by patients. I was diagnosed with dry eye syndrome several years ago, and have received various treatments for it none of which were particularly helpful. Eye plugs to prescription eye drops did not make much difference. For me, it is more nuisance than serious requiring repeated use of over the counter eye drops. My new doctor told me it was caused by clogged or dry oils in my eyelids and some simple routines of applying heat and cleaning my eye lids regularly would help. I am sure I looked at her like she was crazy. I had twenty years of experience with dry eye syndrome under the care of four or five different eye doctors. I had never heard any of that before. I knew how Naaman felt when Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan*. When I got home I checked out some reliable sources on the Internet and they seem to agree with her. So, I did what she recommended and it worked.
Discerning truth has always been a challenge, particularly when steeped in values and traditions that counter truth. Is it harder to accept simpler truth? Are we more persuaded by sophisticated ideas? Relationships are surely more complex than simply wanting the best for others, or are they? Racism, misogyny, other forms of discrimination result from our inability to accept simple truth. God created all humans in Gods image. Pretty straightforward, don’t you think? God commands us to love our neighbors, welcome strangers, feed the hungry, restore the prisoner. None of these are too complicated to comprehend.
Since the beginning of people, God’s followers have never started our work of loving others with a clean slate. Some of God’s children are downright scary. Some do not seem to what to be loved. Some strangers do not speak our language, worship the way we do, eat the same food, or wear the same type of clothing. I feed my family why can’t they feed theirs? Prisoners are locked up for a reason. Ancient patterning of behavior is passed down through generations. They are very difficult to alter, probably impossible to alter without the overwhelming love of God through Jesus Christ remolding us, if we let him.
Prayer: Lord make us instruments of your love and help us understand that loving isn’t difficult at all. It is giving up our preconceived notions that is hard. Amen.
*2 Kings 5:10