Epiphany means manifestation. Jesus makes
himself known to all, without exception, beyond cultures, religions and
appearances. Today he manifests himself as LIFE, in the here and now, in and through all, in the most trivial events,
provided that we know how to look in depth, and to go beyond all appearances.
REAL LIFE IS NOT IN OUTWARD
APPEARANCE
In the metro,
Line 6, a small elderly man in a neglected state finds a place and sits down
heavily. I can see him still, huddled in his seat, head bowed. He exudes
fatigue and poverty. A touching oldness about him, a fragile, heart-moving
human being.
In his hands he
has a paper bag. The bag bears the well-known
FNAC (Fédération
nationale d'achats des cadres)logo.
FNAC – a paradise
connecting one to modernity, through all kinds of gadgets where we get lost –
and we all do, except the specialists - for lack of references and vocabulary,
not to mention the avalanche of printed books and music they provide ...
FNAC - dazzling products that proudly display proportionate prices. We are more
likely to see educated, well dressed people using them.
Something is
wrong - the bag does not suit the hands that hold it. But after all, it may be
a coincidence: it may have been found accidentally in a corner!
But, leaning down, he takes out a small brochure. Surprise: Pariscope! Pariscope is not dear: 50 cents. But it tells of cinemas,
exhibitions, guided walks in Paris, restaurants ... you
name it.
Perplexity and
amazement send my thoughts back on myself, "They have eyes and see not
...” Someone said, “blind eyes, fixed on the habitual, as if a beautiful
appearance automatically means intelligence and culture, as if the human soul
could not escape from the ready-made ??judgments of society, as if the broadening of the
heart was a reserved area ... eyes that judge according to a set model!”
Conversion of the
gaze, turning inward. Could I not say with Christian Bobin: "I saw neither
God nor his advisers before I thought of removing my hands from before my
eyes.”
Gift of life, an old man without
appearance
But real life is not in outward appearance
Inverted world, defeating appearances
Michelle Biraben
Angoulême Community