Aug 6 – Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Today we celebrate the occasion on which Christ revealed Himself in shining splendour to Peter, James, and John. Moses and Elijah were present, and are taken to signify the Law and the Prophets. They testify to Jesus as the promised Messiah. God the Father also proclaimed him as such, saying, “This is my Beloved Son. Listen to him.” For a moment, the veil is drawn aside, and men still on earth are permitted a glimpse of the heavenly reality, the glory of the Eternal Triune God.
– http://satucket.com/lectionary/Tranfiguration.htm
Dan 7:9-10,13-14
2 Pet 1:16-19
Mk 9:2-10
…you will be right to depend on prophecy and take it as a lamp for lighting a way through the dark…
Have you sometimes paid attention to the darkness of the bedroom in the night once you have switched off all the lights? Every night, I put my child to bed. We run through this routine of turning the lights off, then switching on his night light, or… switching on his night light first before turning down the main lights. For me, this is a meditative process of trying to “see in the dark” when a moment of black blankets the space, before my vision adjusts to the light source.
Sometimes my child panics a little and hurries me to turn the dim night light on. Usually, I use my voice to assure him, as I move towards the switch. “Don’t worry, do not be afraid, Mummy is still here with you.” I am trying to guide him to remember he is not alone, before he is reassured by what his eyes can see.
Peter reminds us, in the second reading, that he, James and John were first witnesses to the moment where Jesus received the “honour and glory from God the Father (…) ‘This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased’.” This majestic memory is referenced in Peter’s letter to the early Christians. Peter charges them to constantly recall and pay attention to this prophetic message and the handed-down witness of Christ’s divinity, his death and sacrifice, and the promise of his resurrection.
…and you will be right to depend on prophecy
and take it as a lamp for lighting a way through the dark
until the dawn comes and the morning star rises in your minds. (2 Peter 1:19)
God knows, as did Peter know, that human memory is fallible, and our minds can sometimes grow dark and vision blurry when we allow our minds and hearts be crowded out by the temporary ‘bright lights’ of the world. These shabby substitutes of glory cannot be true replacements of the True Light and the Truth that Christ is.
Peter bids us to pay close attention to Christ, as one’s eyes cannot help but do so when keenly searching for the hint of light in a darkened room.
What then, is the shape and form or colour of this ‘night light’ or light source that we are supposed to look out for when we are traversing this world and its many winding roads? We are told in the first reading of the prophet Daniel (7:9-10,13-14),
… the Ancient One took his throne .
His robe was white as snow,
the hair of his head as pure as wool.
His throne was a blaze of flames,
its wheels were a burning fire.
On him was conferred sovereignty, glory, and kingship;
and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants.
His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty
which shall never pass away,
nor will his empire ever be destroyed.
The most striking image is the sheer amount of light and brightness described by Daniel about God. In the same way that Peter, James and John had to shield their eyes from the dazzling white of Jesus’ clothes. Where do you go to seek out this purest and brightest of lights? Can we bring our lives fully into the light of Christ, or are there times we run away to hide? Are there shabby substitutes in our lives now that masquerade as Truth and Goodness?
There is no shame in us that is too dark or much for Christ to purify fully. We must not stay in the dark, and if there is a nudge within your heart that seeks out some light in your present tunnel vision, walk bravely towards even this dimmest of lights towards the True Light. God can reach out to you with the hands of someone near you who cares for you. Do not shy or shrink away. He is calling you back to His side.
The abundant grace of God is proven in the fact that one flicker of flame can eventually light up a whole darkened room to impart clarity. Go towards this light and stay close to it. Carry it close to you, let it warm your heart, and you will never fear the darkness. Christ the True Light is with you and in you.
If tonight, you turn down the lights for your child or yourself, perhaps you could pause (in the dark) to contemplate how God is showing you His promise through Christ’s Life. May Christ’s Glory and Love be transfigured in your heart, and shine like a beacon of hope, clarity, and peace.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
(Today’s OXYGEN by Debbie Loo)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are full of glory and holiness. Wash me completely with your purity and light, and guide me towards growing into a more holy self. Help me never to forget your goodness. I allow you to reign as supreme in my life — my heart, mind, and body.
Thanksgiving: Holy God, thank you for the gift of your beloved Son who bears the proof of Your grace and forgiveness. Thank you for countless reminders that no darkness will ever overcome Your Light.
OXYGEN 
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