Epiphany Times Three |
Of all of the Feast Days, the Epiphany has always been the one that speaks to me most clearly, most directly, and most personally. This is perhaps because of my Orthodox beginnings, but more likely because on those occasions when I finally open the eyes of my heart to notice, I am able to glimpse the epiphanies or manifestations that are happening all around me most of the time. While studying in preparation to paint this series, I was surprised and delighted to learn that the Epiphany, which today is primarily associated with the birth of Jesus and the visit of the magi, originally celebrated three manifestations—the visit of the magi, the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, and the first miracle at the wedding at Cana. Three of my favorite stories, combined to commemorate and celebrate, that most compelling of themes---the manifestation of the Holy. I couldn’t resist several approaches to this theme. One painting combines all three occurrences at once, for Spirit is unconstrained by time or place. Each of the other three depicts one of the stories—they stand alone, or work as a triptych, in which case each informs the other. To me, they all point at the indescribable, and ultimately unknowable, wonder of the oneness and grace in all of creation. Each of these paintings focuses on a bit of the unexpected in each story---rather than shepherds, it is their charges that witness the star; the Jordan River becomes the River of Life inviting us to open our ears and eyes to God’s invitation, affirmation, and presence (our own Epiphany); and the stone water jars show us the potential for miracle and celebration found in the simplest of vessels. In fact, each of the stories points to the miracle that resides in each of us, who are in some respects, the simplest and at the same time, most complex vessels imaginable. |
