Selasa, 13 Juni 2017

Shine

"While Peter was going on like this, babbling, a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a voice: 'This is My Son, marked by My love, focus of My delight. Listen to Him' " - Matthew 17 : 5

Who delights me? Whom do I delight? In various seasons of life, I probably answer these questions differently. As Ecclesiastes says, there is a time for all sorts of things! In youth, my delight is in romantic ideals of love: the girlfriend, the bride, the unrequited passion of a celebrity poster in a dorm room. Later, my delight may be in the long familiar face of a spouse, favourite sister, or friend I have known since grammar school. The face of delight may belong to a child or grandchildren. If I am a mystic, the face of delight may be the beatific vision of God, the Madonna, or the saints who chat with me in privileged communion.

While Peter babbles about clinging to the privileged encounters on Transfiguration mountain, 
he nearly misses the main event. While he and James and John are transfixed by by the revealed glory of a friend they thought they knew, heaven is also gazing at the same face. Heaven knows Jesus as He always is and that celestial view is momentarily shared with these bewildered friends.

The love of God marks the one who receives and acknowledges it. Being the focus of God's delight and knowing it makes every saint radiant - which is where the idea of the halo comes from. It is why Moses came down from Sinai with a face so shiny he had to wear a veil. It is why our Lady of Guadalupe wears a full-body halo: Blessed among women, Mary gave herself up body and soul to be God's delight. When we know we are the recipient of God's love, it is impossible to hide it.

When we meet a real live saints and there some, walking around right now in places we may not expect we will know him or her by the glow. When you and I accept that we are also God's great delight, marked by that same love, we will shine too.

Lord is it true? Do You really love me that much? I am surprised I want to ask why. Because You know me better than anyone. But You also know who I can become, with enough time and grace.

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