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The Wisdom of the Body
The Word became flesh and made his home among us. —John 1:14, CEB This month the Read More
Steve Garnaas-Holmes | Read 2 Peter 1:16-21
Sometimes our world seems pretty dark, cloaked in the shadow of racism, violence, greed, and hatred. When the earth is despoiled, when wars rage, when public discourse is fraught with fear and untruth, we can be discouraged. When it seems like deep night, we long for day to dawn. Where do we see light? Where do we find hope?
The darkness of evil and injustice is deep, but the light of Christ shines in that darkness. We have to pay attention to it. The more we pay attention to something, the more it fills us, captures our imagination, and colors our thoughts, until we reflect it in our whole being. If we only notice the darkness, that’s all we reflect. When we pay attention to the light of God, it shines on us and in us.
The light of Christ is not a neon light God turns on at the top of a mountain. God fills us with Christ’s light, which rises in our hearts. We can pay attention to the light, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in our hearts.
Where do you see the glory of Christ? Where do you see the light of justice and mercy? Where do you see the beauty of reconciliation, healing, and forgiveness? Where do you see the glory of God’s love courageously embodied? Where do you see the power of nonviolence? Look around you. Pay attention. Keep your eyes open today for the glory of Christ shining like a lamp in the dark. Let that light fill you and shine in you.
Light of Christ, help me to see your glory and pay attention to your light. Fill my darkness. Shine in me so that I may be a source of light for others in the ways of mercy, hope, and justice. May the day dawn and the morning star rise in my heart. Amen.
The Transfiguration is a striking manifestation of the union of humanity and divinity in Christ. In Exodus, Moses goes up the mountain to meet with God, and the divine presence on the mountain is like a consuming fire. The psalmist says that the presence of the Lord shakes the earth. In Second Peter the author declares that the truth of Christ’s message is affirmed by the glory that surrounds Jesus on the mountain and the voice from heaven that confirms his authority. In Matthew’s account, the revelation of the glory of the divine son of God on top of a mountain causes the disciples to fall down in fear. Moses and Elijah are present, demonstrating the continuity of Christ with the prophets and the always overwhelming splendor of God’s presence.
Read Exodus 24:12-18. When have you experienced God’s cleansing and transforming fire?
Read Psalm 99. How has God led you through darkness?
Read 2 Peter 1:16-21. How can you be attentive to the light of God in the world around you?
Read Matthew 17:1-9. When have you experienced God’s love shining through you?
Respond by posting a prayer.
