TRANSFER YOUR WARMTH TO OTHERS
Jesus truly wanted to dwell in us for
all time; desiring that our hearts may be open to God's love and to minister
and to serve those most in need.
On a hot summer
day, it doesn't take long to stand in the sun before we can feel the warmth of
its rays. We can, in no time, begin to radiate the heat. Walking into a cool
room, we can easily transfer that warmth to someone who has been sitting in the
cold by taking their hand. This is an image of the power of Jesus'
Transfiguration for us. St. John Chrysostom says that, "In the
Transfiguration, Jesus revealed to the disciples that He was God dwelling with
them." But the Transfiguration is not an event locked up in the past,
limited to the pages of Scripture and given exclusively to Peter, James, and
John. As we reflect on the mystery of Jesus in the radiance of bright light and
dazzling white, we begin to pick up some of the Son's warmth. This glory revealed
among us cannot be kept to ourselves. We are called to radiate that warmth of
God's grace to a cold world. We can truly bring light into a dark world each
time we share Christ's Light with others.
Jesus showed
Himself in His glory not to be put on a high throne or a pedestal. Rather, He
truly wanted to dwell in us for all time; desiring that our hearts may be open
to God's love and to minister and to serve those most in need.
Jesus was
transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John while they were asleep!
Upon awakening they discovered Jesus in glory with Moses and Elijah. How much
of God's glory and action do we miss because we are spiritually asleep? There
are many things that can keep our minds asleep to the things of God. For
example, an "unexamined life" can keep us from thinking things
through and facing our doubts and questions.
Are we able to take
on new challenges from Jesus? Troubles in our lives can become roadblocks until
we can see past them to the glory of God. Are we spiritually awake?
We too, as the
disciples of Jesus, are called to be witnesses of His glory. We all, with
unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into His
likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord Who
is the Spirit (cf. 2 Cor. 3:18).
In the Responsorial
Psalm we acclaim, "O LORD, I am your servant; I am Your servant, the son
of Your handmaid; You have loosed my bonds. To You will I offer sacrifice of
thanksgiving, and I will call upon the name of the LORD" (Ps. 116:16-17).
Let us vow to seek
His presence in our hearts each and every day!