Draw Nearer

The Rev. Michael Dean Vinson / Epiphanytide, 2023, Issue 5

O GOD, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant that we, who know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

(Collect for Epiphany)

This powerful Collect for the Feast of the Epiphany clearly proclaims the hope of Christmas: that the babe born at Bethlehem is none other than the only-begotten Son of the Father. Think of Epiphany, which we celebrate on the last day of Christmas, as the final point on the incarnation and nativity of our Lord: God has sent his Son to save not only Israel but the Gentiles as well. This is the good news. This is the Gospel of our salvation.

The manifestation of God in the person of Jesus Christ changes everything—historically and cosmically. God has revealed himself, and we have to decide what we will do with such a revelation. Will we believe in him? Will we follow him? Will we love him? Our baptism provides the answer: yes to all of the above! Remember the vow that you took or that was taken on your behalf as a child:

Minister. Wilt thou be baptized in this faith?

Answer. That is my desire.

Minister. Wilt thou then obediently keep God's holy will and commandments and walk in the same all the days of thy life?

Answer. I will, by God's help.

Remember also what was asked of you by the Bishop when you were confirmed in the faith into which you were baptized:

DO ye here, in the presence of God, and of this congregation, renew the solemn promise and vow that ye made, or that was made in your name, at your baptism; ratifying and confirming the same; and acknowledging yourselves bound to believe and to do all those things which ye then undertook, or your Sponsors then undertook for you? DO ye promise to follow Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour?

And you confirmed this by answering: I do.

Jesus Christ, to whom you swore to follow as Lord and Savior, has manifested himself to us at this Epiphanytide season. We know full well who he is and why he has come into the world. And we also know what he demands of those to whom his appearance has saved them from death: faith working through love. Friends, Christ is among us and demands our very lives: our souls and bodies, our worship, our prayers, and all we are. This year, I intend to embrace a bit more of 'Mary' in my life by drawing nearer to our Lord Jesus Christ through daily prayer and study. By imbibing the Word of God and sacrament, deeply entering into the presence of Christ by setting aside 'good things' and making time to meditate and contemplate the Divine Life of God, choosing the 'better portion' because Jesus is the only thing that shall remain after this world is gone.

Now, we are Benedictines at heart which means we embrace the 'Mary and Martha' nature of Christian piety as succinctly expressed in the Benedictine maxim: ora et labora (prayer and work). Our daily work and prayers are sacrificial offerings to God and necessary for our sanctification. So we will pay attention to the active life! Rather, my prayer is to regain (as is needed by each person) the contemplative life: keeping the Rule, regular Sunday worship, immersed in the Holy Scriptures, finding rest for the soul, and stability in being.

I am not advocating a retreat from the world or any unhealthy inward turn. Quite the opposite. I am advocating for our parish to set our face towards Christ and draw as near to him as grace affords. One cannot dwell in the goodness and love of Christ and not be compelled to love one's neighbor. You cannot love your neighbor if you do not love our Lord. Our spirituality will ever only reflect the degree to which we love Christ. And remember, as Jesus told Martha, only "one thing is necessary," and that is to sit at the feet of Jesus.

I invite you to pray for God's Spirit to increase the desire for the good. Ask him to give you a greater desire to pray. Determine to keep the commandment to be in God's house every Sunday. Detach from the materialism which plagues the soul through regular tithing and, when compelled, almsgiving. Having drawn nearer to God in Christ, serve where it is obvious and help those in need as they are brought into your life. Do good works for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Serve your parish. Take care of your daily responsibilities in the various callings of your life.

If you are married, love your spouse. If you have been gifted with children, raise them in the knowledge and love of God. If you are called to the solitary life, walk in holiness and draw near to the heavenly bridegroom. If any have offended you, seek understanding and reconciliation. If you have offended a brother, pursue forgiveness. But remember, "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Mt 6:33).

The Rev. Michael Dean Vinson serves as rector of St. Benedict’s Anglican Church in Rockwall, Texas.