Gospel: Luke 5: 12-16
Today's Gospel portion is a reminder to us that Epiphany is about the manifestation of God to the world, not the manifestation of our own egos. Jesus heals a leper, and as he does so often Jesus instructs the man to show himself only to the priests, to offer a thanksgiving sacrifice, and to tell no one. The miracle and the sign is God's manifestation to the world; it is not designed for us to make it all about us, as is our tendency in so many things in life.
The leper is one who suffers in many ways: physically, psychologically, and socially. They suffer the physical pains of Hansen's Disease, to be sure. However, they also suffer the isolation and stigma of society that casts them off. They come to regard themselves as unclean and an outcast, never having the hope of social interaction and communion with others. In restoring this leper physically, Jesus restores the whole person, bringing them into communion with others and healing their psyches as well.
Herein lies the full manifestation of God in the world: God comes to us in order to restore the leprosy of humanity, to restore communion between God and humans, to restore communion between all people. We too are instructed to offer a thanksgiving sacrifice to God, telling no one about it. For Epiphany - and all of the religious life - is not about our own egos and self-promotion. It is about God's presence in our lives and world, about our constant thanksgiving for it and ongoing pondering of it within our hearts.
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