Yes, Theophilus, this DOES sound like the start of a fireflies’ track meet. But the readings you’ll hear this coming weekend have to do with Transfiguration: an encounter with God which brings a noticeable glory. At the end of the Season of Epiphany, God’s unfolding light shines brightly and enduringly as we plunge into the late-Winter darkness of Lent. May it illumine your journey, and be a “light unto your path”.
We begin with the story of Moses which many consider to be central to the Hebrew Testament, Exodus 34:29-35. After Moses received the Law from God on Mt. Sinai, “he did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.” This shine derived from intimacy with God, and represented the glorious promise bestowed on all Israel, the bearers of God’s glory. This brightness is a glowing aura, often depicted in early paintings as a “halo”. Nick Carter writes, “The fundamental point of this lesson from Scripture is that proximity to God is the necessary and defining first step.” (FEASTING ON THE WORD, C 1:439) The Law may direct us; but the Glory defines us…
St. Paul’s Corinthian Letters are filled with calling the community of belief into further travels on the road of holiness. He speaks of direct, non-veiled encounters with The Other: “And all of us…are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another…” (II Corinthians 3:18) It’s personally a relief to know that glory is incremental, a process on a twisting path. Robert Warden Prim reassures us, “No one falls head first into the pool of God’s transforming love and emerges fully formed as a perfect reflection of Christ.” (op.cit., page 451)
This year’s Transfiguration account comes through Luke’s Gospel, 9:28-36. Another mountaintop experience (same mountain? Doesn’t really matter, God knows where we are!) Peter, James & John–representing the People of the Covenant–noticed that Jesus’ face appeared differently while he was praying, and then Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets) “appeared in glory”. At the end of their conversation, a cloud wrapped them all up; and when it lifted, Jesus was alone. But the non-digital cloud had a message: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” Good Jewish boys that they were, they undoubtedly remembered the old tribal story about how “a cloud and fiery pillar” led them across the wilderness. Glory!
Somehow I wish that the other Disciples could have seen a remnant of the Holy Brightness –and maybe they did. Because it’s important for me to remember that from time to time you and I have had similar encounters which have changed our lives and strengthened our faith…usually just when we’ve needed it the most.
Not long after Marie & I were married, we took our VW Beetle for maintenance. And since it was a nice day, we walked around the neighborhood while waiting. A friendly lady saw that we were holding hands, and asked if we were newly-weds. Somehow uncomfortable with that, I replied, “No, we just keep the Old Glow!” May all of us be touched by a Divine Presence, and may we keep the Old Glow….
God Bless Us, Every One. Horace Brown King
My musings on lessons for the coming weekend appear at this spot on Facebood every Tuesday; or can be found at horacebrownking.com
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