Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Today is the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. All of the readings today reveal details about the glory of God. There are times when I read the scriptures, and I wonder what it would be like to have lived during the time of prophets and Jesus and to have had firsthand experience with these great revelations. On further reflection, I realize that God’s glory is all around us- if only we will open our eyes and believe.
The scripture readings today highlight God’s majesty. In Daniel’s vision, he sees the Ancient One who then welcomes “One like a Son of man coming on the cloud of heavens.” (Dn 7:13) Both the second reading and the gospel share the story of the Transfiguration where the three apostles see Jesus being “received in honor and glory from God” (2 Pt 1: 17), and the Father’s “declaration” of “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Mt 17:5) The apostles share their eyewitness account, so others will know and believe.
We have scripture to help inspire us to recognize God’s glory, but are we missing God’s glory in our midst? I recently came across a headline referencing an article titled,”The Evidence that God Exists” (The Atlantic- author Elizabeth Brueinig). The author uses scientific knowledge to support the hypothesis that in this world there are so many aspects of creation- the beginning of the universe and its current complexity- which support a divine creator.
When I stop to consider where God’s glory might be visible, I can find many experiences that reveal God’s grandeur to us today. Looking through the James Webb Space Telescope allows us to see 13.5 billion light years back in time. This is only a small glance at the vastness of our universe. As a physician, I have often found the human body to be such an amazing complex, diverse, and interconnected creation that I am in awe of the LORD who makes each of us. The way our, neurons, hormones, and variety of tissues come together to allow us to function in this world is so remarkable that it defies our understanding. Not only the individual human, but to reflect on the fact that since the beginning of time, no two people have been alike. This level of diversity reveals again something beyond random chance and points to God’s creative genius and glory.
Although the list or scientific advances we witness today continue to help us better see glimpses of God’s grandeur and glory, it is our “eyes of faith” that provide us the greatest revelation of God. It is when we step forward in belief in a God who is loving and merciful that we are better able to view this glory in our midst. Our relationship with God, particularly through Jesus, provides us an avenue to experience firsthand how God is in our midst. Through not only scripture, but in sacrament and in others (the Body of Christ) we are given ample opportunity to see God working in our daily lives in amazing ways. God’s glory is seen in the Eucharist, in strangers reaching out to support others in need, and in reflecting on Christ in our scripture. The glory of God is among us as Peter says, “as a lamp shining in a dark place.” (2 Pt 1:19) We are called to not only “be attentive to it”, but to “be eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (2 Pt: 16)
Creator God, Your Glory is all around us! Open our eyes to see, our ears to ear, and our hearts to believe in your great love. May Jesus, your beloved Son, show us the way, and may the Spirit helps us to be light, so all may see your glory.
AMEN
—Marylynn Herchline