Dear Lord of Light and Love

06Aug
Jesus took...Peter, James and John... up a high mountain...There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.... a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!' 'Don’t be afraid.'" Jesus told His bewildered followers.
-Matthew 17:1,2,5

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
-John 1.5


I love this story of the Transfiguration of Jesus. He takes his disciples for a mountain top experience. They experience the true Light of the World - Jesus in all of His divinity! His face shines like the sun and His clothes as white as the light! His Father proclaims Him His beloved Son! The disciples want to stay there forever up on that mountain. After all, it is holy ground. But Jesus tells them that they must leave that mountain top and go back into the world.


Then, shortly after that He rides into Jerusalem to face the darkness of hatred, betrayal, torture, crucifixion, and death. Intentionally, Jesus left the brilliance of that mountain top Light and went into the darkest night that the world has to offer. And gave His Light to it. So that His disciples who were by now even more bewildered and afraid could face that darkness and the darkness of their own lives with His Light. Again and again after that experience, as they lived in His Light, He spoke to them: "Be not afraid!" The Light of Christ transfigures, transforms, changes darkness..... even as it did Jesus' face and clothes and His disciples.


No darkness can ever overcome that Light that Jesus gives us. 


There are dark places in my life. Where are they? How can I bring Jesus' Light into them? Can those dark places hear Him say "Don't be afraid! I am here with you! Let me lighten up that heavy, hidden dark."


Where are the dark places in your life that long to see that light and to hear that reassuring word?


One of the darkest places I have ever been is the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. For over twenty years I have been visiting, leading Bible studies and helping with retreats there. I am told about deep darkness there. But I have also seen great light. Inmates tell me about their gratitude for the understanding, the peace, the love, the acceptance they have found from others: the Light that they have been given. They tell me stories of men praying for each other, sharing needed food, understanding, and comforting each other. I have watched as a group of older men stood protectively near a young man who looked like he still was a teenager. "Fear not" is the message that I observed in them. I go to Angola to share a little bit of the Light that I have. But somehow I always leave with a lot more! One of the songs we always sing during our retreats is "This is Holy Ground."


Our Diocese has an organized church there. It is named the Church of the Transfiguration.


Musical Reflection - "Holy Ground" (We Are Standing On Holy Ground)


Dear Lord of Light and Love, shine always in our darkness and help us to love others as you love us. Amen.

Light

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