Transfiguration of Jesus

 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (GNT)

For if the gospel we preach is hidden, it is hidden only from those who are being lost. They do not believe, because their minds have been kept in the dark by the evil god of this world. He keeps them from seeing the light shining on them, the light that comes from the Good News about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. For it is not ourselves that we preach; we preach Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. The God who said, “Out of darkness the light shall shine!” is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts, to bring us the knowledge of God’s glory shining in the face of Christ. 

Reflection

As soon as there is a glimmer of morning light, the local chorus of birds begins and the chickens are calling for their coop to be opened, even when I am still thinking it really is sleep time! There is such a fine mingling between the night’s farewell and the morning’s greeting, just as it is with God’s light awakening us to new understandings and new actions in our living. This metaphor from ancient times speaks of darkness and light in our lives, where confusion and lack of clarity gently lifts as understanding brings lucidity and reveals a fresh way of being.  Darkness and light coalesce in our everyday, just as every night becomes less, as every day begins to shine. The very simplicity of God’s calling is to allow God’s wisdom to dawn afresh, day after day. In this way, we are open to allowing the light of Christ to shine in our hearts, and offer this revelation to all whom we meet, and in all of God’s realm.

Let’s be open to the Light of Christ, the Spirit’s breathing, & God’s presence every moment.  

How good it is….

Dawning Wisdom, and light in our hearts,
We sleep as you shine, shuttering faith held in time.
You speak to us clearly. We see clouds forming shadows.
Our aims for our church leave our faith paddocks fallow.
We worry and moan and set standards so high,
that we miss what’s within us, your presence and light.
We fuss about buildings, and pews or the chairs.
We ponder on lighting or heating or stairs.
Does the church building standards meet current ideals?
Unappealing? Needs a face lift? Antique paintwork revealed?
Are our numbers too small or should we grow bigger?
Do we sing, have a band or a choir with rigour?
Exhausted with finesse, we often give up,
until wisdom shines through with a simple ‘heads up’!
As certain as sunlight brings forth its warm hue,
God loves us, stays with us, shines through all, not a few.
The light in our hearts reveals new ways of being.
Love’s face, hands and voice, light revealing and glimmering.
As the light dawns again, may we remember you’re near.
How good it is that you are here.