“Transfiguration” by Maria Allen, Fiat Ventures
Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
The definition of transfigure: to transform into something more beautiful and elevated. In other words, it’s all about seeing something in a different way.
Think of the most beautiful place you’ve ever been to. Think of walking along the beach, marveling at the vastness, power, and beauty of the ocean. Think of flying in a plane, and seeing the earth below you – intricate and varied. Think of the tallest mountain, its tip in the clouds. Think of the fiercest storm – watching with wonder and awe as the world around you bows to its might and strength. Think of a gentle breeze, bringing you comfort and peace. Think of a field of flowers, filled with every kind of flower you know, with more color than you can possibly imagine. Think of a sunset, spraying the sky with a brilliance and vibrancy that you will not soon forget.
Think of these things. I think they’re great. But when I think of them not simply of things of this earth, but as touched by God, and they become more than wonderful, they become spectacular, they are transfigured in my mind. “For the Lord is king and the earth rejoices,” the earth is glad (from this week’s Psalm). We are eyewitnesses of God’s glory, witnesses of His majesty (2nd Reading). We need only open our eyes to see, to experience, to witness these things.
And so we see the earth in its splendor, transfigured by the hand of God.
Imagine you could go to God, straight up to Him for a face to face meeting. You go to God and you say, “Lord, it is good that we are here!” (Gospel) “It is good that you have made this beautiful earth! I look at this earth and I see your touch, your hand, your transforming power. It is a witness to You; it rejoices in You.” Say you say these things to Him. You can’t resist, you find yourself asking him, “Which is your favorite? What about earth are you most proud of, what it most beautiful?”
God smiles. He says, “This, this right here.” And you realize that He’s pointing at you. He continues, “This is my beloved child, with whom I am well pleased.” (Gospel)
You see, at the Transfiguration of Jesus, it’s not like Jesus changes. He’s still the same ole’ Jesus. But at that moment, God allows us to see Him as something more beautiful, more elevated. If anything, it is our mind that is transformed to see more of who God is.
God calls us to do the same. He desires us to be transfigured, so that we can see that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God and that we can know our true dignity and value. He also wants us to be transfigured to the world so that others might see more of who God and become more of who God made them to be. St Catherine of Siena said, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” So this Sunday as you hear in the Gospel about Jesus being transfigured, remember to give a second, deeper look to everything (and especially every person) around you, and don’t be surprised if you see God a little more clearly.
