Riffing on President Obama’s “Gabby opened her eyes” made in reference to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Diana Butler Bass says one of the great themes of Epiphany is found in many religions. It is also, she says, one of the areas we’re struggling as a country to understand.
Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs: we are all searchers following stars, looking for the presence of God in the world. Opening our eyes is a sign of life, one of the first things tiny babies do when after they make their way into the world. But opening our eyes also symbolizes our common humanity — the search for love, meeting the healing looks of family and friends, God’s presence in others, the light that shines throughout the world, and finding goodness in all the places we find ourselves along the way.
….
When we open our eyes, we will see light and beauty. We will see the caring faces of loved ones. But opening our eyes, we will also see suffering and pain and violence. We see the steady gaze of a loving spouse; we also see the sinister glare of a deranged shooter. Open eyes see both. And in all that we see, God’s presence is somehow there. Comforting, healing: yes. But often seeing God is a call as well. A call to transform our world into God’s vision for humankind. God made manifest in the world; we must manifest God in the world.
Gabby opened her eyes. May we also open ours and see the glory that shines round about us. And, when we open our eyes, may we not only cheer, but also be inspired, in the words of a traditional Epiphany prayer, “to contribute wisdom and good works for the benefit of the whole family.” Amen.