Epiphany: an ambivalent perspective

So much has changed in the last year. The world looks very different, and not in a good way.

One thing that has not changed between now and then is my ambivalent perspective on Epiphany, which we celebrate tomorrow, 6 January. I felt that way last year and I feel that way this year.

Part of me identifies with the cynicism of W.H. Auden:

Once again
As in previous years we have seen the actual Vision and failed
To do more than entertain it as an agreeable
Possibility, once again we have sent Him away,
Begging though to remain His disobedient servant,
The promising child who cannot keep His word for long.

Read the whole passage here.

The other part of me wants to identify with the optimism of Howard Thurman:

When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost, ….
To bring peace among brothers and sisters,
To make music in the heart.

Read the whole passage here.

I think, however, that these times require us to reach deep inside and muster the strength to follow Thurman’s path.

I’ll give it my best.