This week's news
Epiphany is our story as travelling people – preparing for a journey that brings both challenges and gifts. Consider this range of stories in the news this week from all round the world.
- God's gift of stone and fire in Persian legend.
- Iraqi army recaptures Ramadi from ISIL.
- Childhood of fear in occupied Palestine.
- Boko Haram suicide bombers attack in Nigeria.
- Life on the move inspired by Oliver Sacks.
- UK flooding forces evacuation.
- The RNLI to the rescue.
- Mexicans wish for security.
- Jesus hidden in the Rosca de Reyes.
- Walls of kindness in Iran today.
Reflection
Who were the magi? Probably Zoroastrian priests from Persia. In a 12th century Persian legend transcribed by Marco Polo, they were magi from Saba on a quest of discovery. The Christ child gave them a gift of a stone to show that they should be firm in their faith. What gift does he offer us?
Herod played power games with the magi: the struggle for control in the Middle East continues. The Iraqi prime minister declares a ‘year of liberation’, but children in Hebron face fear every day. The infant Jesus represents the many children at risk from conflict.
How far would we travel for our faith? To take life in the name of the ‘Life of the world’ seems unthinkable; are there other sacrifices we are prepared to make?
We live life 'on the move' according to the late Oliver Sacks. For him this was a restlessness from curiosity. Do we approach the Christ Child with a curiosity that is open to the unexpected?
The floods in UK and elsewhere force people into unexpected journeys. As we step out into the new year, many will reflect on what we are travelling towards and journeying from. As sailors (currently off the west coast of Mexico) we prepare carefully for each journey, always expecting the unexpected; sailors in the UK are fortunate to have the RNLI as a lifeline. What preparations do we need to make for the next stage of our life's journey? Who are our spiritual rescuers?
Here in Mexico people want security in a land still troubled with poverty and violence. What do we hope for our community? In Mexican tradition we share Rosca de Reyes (King's Bread) at Epiphany, and whoever gets the piece with the baby Jesus figure hidden in it, hosts the tamales party at Candlemas. Is Jesus hidden from others in our lives, or can we find simple ways like this of passing on our faith? In an unusually cold winter spell, a local Mexican has copied the 'wall of kindness' from modern day Persia (Iran). Could we bring gifts to our neighbours in need through a similar simple act?
Prayer
A reflective prayer that could be used at home or in a quiet worship time.
At home: churches could give out a stone and a tealight to each person to use at home.
In a worship time: based on the Persian legend of the Christ-child's gifts to the magi, create a prayer focus of stones and fire – lit candles or tealights, or LED 'flames' if a real flame is impractical.
The leader says
We come as burdened travellers to the welcoming arms of the Christ-child.
Look at the stones and reflect on what weighs you down.
Look at the fire and reflect on what consumes you.
Offer these to Jesus, who is willing to shoulder your burdens and share your suffering.
We come as timid travellers to the hopeful eyes of the Christ-child.
Look at the stones and reflect on what keeps your faith firm.
Look at the fire and reflect on what keeps your faith alight.
Offer these to Jesus, who is our source of strength and light.
We come as willing travellers to the healing heart of the Christ-child.
Look at the stones and reflect on how you can bring strength to those who stumble.
Look at the fire and reflect on how you can bring healing to those who suffer.
Offer these to Jesus, who shows us the way of light.
Questions
- If our faith is a spiritual journey, what preparations do we need to make? What do we carry with us to help and sustain us on the way?
- The magi journeyed together across geographical, cultural and religious boundaries. Who are our companions for the journey? What are the gifts and challenges of companionship? How do we support and sustain each other?
Action
The Iranian ‘Wall of kindness’ is a simple idea and costs nothing but generosity. Can you create your own? If you're in an area affected by cold weather you could leave coats, blankets, socks and boots. In a flooded area it could be sandbags, wellies, clothes, food, offers of shelter. Or simply make a point of donating to your local Food Bank this week.
Young people
Try baking your own ‘King's Day Bread’ (there are lots of recipes on-line), with a baby Jesus figure hidden inside (a metal or plaster one will withstand baking; a plastic one is best hidden afterwards!). Share it with friends, and use the time to think about how your friendship works – do you spend time together, support each other, help each other reach your goals? Make a commitment to share time again together at Candlemas (2nd February, or a suitable date near to this). Perhaps the person who gets the Jesus figure can volunteer to try a tamales recipe?
Jane Chevous, educator and pilgrim with Reshapers CIC, a creative learning company, is currently journeying off the West coast of Mexico in a sailing boat.
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