A Journey of Epiphany
By Sumer Bingham
Sumer Bingham Musick teaches religion at the University of Pikeville in Kentucky and is a PhD student in Practical Theology at St Thomas University in Florida where she explores trauma sensitive theology and sexual violence.
“Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. 49 But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 51 Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.” -- Mark 6:45-52
The season of Epiphany is a time to celebrate the incarnational presence of God in the world. Jesus is here! Death is defeated! His life of miracle and mission imparts hope and purpose into humanity. It is a new season that invites us to reflect on the miracles at work.
The adjectives used to describe the disciples in this passage, however, are curious.
Straining. Terrified. Astounded. They did not understand. Their hearts were hardened.
Having just witnessed Jesus feed thousands of people with only a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish, they found themselves astounded but also terrified and confused. As Jesus met them in the storm words such as “gratitude” or “joy” or “praise” are notably absent. Why?
In our own lives God works profound daily miracles as addicts are made clean, the homeless find shelter, and cycles of abuse are ended. Yet still, we live life terrified, straining against our circumstances, and guarding our hearts. Perhaps we suspect goodness simply too good to be true or perhaps a cruel life has left us jaded. Are we deserving of grace? Do we actually make a difference? Are suspicion and fear our responses to confusion?
The season of Epiphany calls us to be present with the miracle of Christ’s love. As Jesus walks calmly into the midst of our storms, we are challenged to gaze, astonished, upon the miracle of grace. We are called to acknowledge the victories, marvel at the impossible, and soften our hearts at the ordinary acts of love. To meet the needs of the masses with whatever resources we have on hand, without fear, and with abundant grace, is to embody the love of Christ.