Today’s celebration can be seen as another “epiphany” of sorts, whereby Jesus is recognized as the one who will fulfill the Jewish people’s messianic expectations. Jesus is the one who comes to purify and refine humanity and provide us with proper direction and focus. Jesus also presents himself to each one of us. Will we accept him as he is or only as we want or need him to be? The Gospel message is meant to be heard whole and entire. When it is, it is always a very challenging, table-turning experience that can make even the holiest among us feel a bit uncomfortable. Being purified and refined never comes easy and requires that we give ourselves fully to God and His design. Are we willing to do so?