This week I’ve discovered in conversation that I’m not alone in having begun 2023 not feeling immediately enthusiastic and energised about all that lies ahead. Far from eagerly grasping the opportunity for new resolutions and intentions there is a sense that many of us are rather dragging ourselves into January, hoping that we might pick up some energy and zest for living as the month unfolds.Perhaps what we are feeling and experiencing is natural, and also part of our spiritual path, with the ‘seizing the day life is out there’ mentality being a rather ‘worldly attitude’. We are in the midst of winter – a time when many creatures hibernate and the earth rests. The days are darker and shorter and our vitamin D is less readily replenished. In a 24/7 society driven by deadlines and targets perhaps the radical thing to do, is not ‘to do’! Rather to take January as a time for beginning slowly and with a contemplative mindset – allowing ourselves to be shaped by the season and by the Spirit.This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany and begin the season of the same name – ‘Epiphany’ suggests the manifestation of God’s life – the revealing and making known of who God is. The Season of Epiphany focusses on three great biblical events: the visit of the Magi, the Baptism of Jesus and the Wedding at Cana. In each of these events we recognise that Epiphany is a season to SEE and not to DO: the Magi see a star and kneel in wonder; the voice at the Baptism of Jesus says ‘listen to him’; and at the wedding at Cana the disciples ‘behold‘ the glory of God in Jesus. We too are called to ‘behold’, to ‘listen’ and to ‘kneel in wonder’ – to do as Archbishop Stephen Cottrell commends in his advice on new beginnings – to ‘hit the ground kneeling‘.So, as we commence 2023 I invite and encourage us to keep the month reflectively and spaciously – not to be too quick to fill our diaries or to ‘do’, but rather to ‘be’ and to ‘be-hold’. Praying for God’s grace and peace to dwell amongst us and within us in this new year,David
Slow January?
