These are the divine wonders we celebrate today; this is the saving revelation given us upon the mountain; this is the festival of Christ that has drawn us here. Let us listen, then, to the sacred voice of God so compellingly calling us from on high, from the summit of the mountain, so that with the Lord’s chosen disciples we may penetrate the deep meaning of these holy mysteries, so far beyond our capacity to express. Jesus goes before us to show us the way, both up the mountain and into heaven, and–I speak boldly–it is for us now to follow him with all speed, yearning for the heavenly vision that will give us a share in his radiance, renew our spiritual nature and transform us into his own likeness, making us for ever sharers in his Godhead and raising us to heights as yet undreamed of.
Let us run with confidence and joy to enter into the cloud like Moses and Elijah, or like James and John. Let us be caught up like Peter to behold the divine vision and to be transfigured by that glorious transfiguration. Let us retire from the world, stand aloof from the earth, rise above the body, detach ourselves from creatures and turn to the creator, to whom Peter in ecstasy exclaimed: Lord, it is good for us to be here.
Anastasius of Sinai, from today's Office of Readings
I see that I didn't mention the Transfiguration last year and that surprises me a bit. I never quite know what to do with this mystery when I pray the Mysteries of Light. I pray for my own transfiguration, but I like even better this idea of escaping the world for a moment and "running with confidence" to the Lord so that we are filled with a vision of glory that sustains us in the darkness.
You can see the whole reading here.
AMDG
From Elizabeth Goudge’s A Diary of Prayer (unattributed – her own composition)
ReplyDeleteOur Lord and King, what awe fell upon your disciples when they beheld you in your glory upon the Mount. Their Master had lived with them humbly as friend and brother, but when their eyes were opened and the King of Kings shone upon them in the light of heaven they were sore afraid. We too, Lord, know you as friend and comforter and shepherd of the sheep; let us not forget the glory and power of our God and King. Teach us the same holy fear as overwhelmed your disciples. And teach us too, O Lord, the honour due to our fellow men, made in the image of our God. Let us not forget that if we could see them as they truly are, transfigured by your love for them, we should be smitten to the heart. Help us to see your image in each other, O Lord, and to worship and adore.
Let us not forget that if we could see them as they truly are, transfigured by your love for them, we should be smitten to the heart. Help us to see your image in each other, O Lord, and to worship and adore.
DeleteThank you for posting that, Mary. I try to remember the above all the time. Frequently, I don't. Most of the time, it's easy to see Him in people who come to the door here, but I forget that He's in my contractor.
AMDG