This Sunday’s readings concern a certain lack of awareness or lessened consciousness which then shifts. Some people are initially described as overtaken by dark clouds until a fire is lit and they can then see more clearly (Genesis). Other people are described as dulled by earthly concerns until they discern the glory of God (Philippians). In the Gospel, the disciples are described as asleep, initially oblivious to a Light which is enveloping them. Peter, James, and John had accompanied Jesus up a mountain to pray. In time they weary and fall asleep. They are then awakened by the Light of Transfiguration.
Disciples had experienced Jesus as an insightful wisdom figure prior to joining him in prayer on the mountain. Had they previously experienced him as so deeply illuminating as to consider him an expression of Divinity? The Transfiguration is related as the experience whereby they consider him Divine. What happened in that experience for it to be a Divine revelation? Did Jesus change? Did he become someone different than who he had always been? Was he perhaps the same man, but now experienced more fully because it was the disciples who had changed? It is possible the Gospel is suggesting that in awakening from a deep sleep they awakened from a lessened consciousness. They shifted to a heightened consciousness. The enhanced state tends to refer to a dynamic Presence emanating from within us and felt radiating from others. A heightened consciousness is our awareness that there is so much more to another human being, to every human being than we usually notice. We need only wake up or shift our consciousness a bit to realize who this person is that stands before us in this and every encounter.
“In Louisville, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut, in the center of the shopping district, I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all these people, that they were mine and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total strangers. It was like waking from a dream of separateness … This sense of liberation from an illusory difference was such a relief and such a joy to me, … if only everybody could realize this! But it cannot be explained. There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun. … I suddenly saw the secret beauty of their hearts … If only they could all see themselves as they really are. If only we could see each other that way all the time.” (Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander – Thomas Merton)
Prayer: Beautiful Spirit, we are rays of Light in this world.
Question: What can I do to remind myself of the Presence of a Beautiful Spirit in each person; in myself?
February 21, 2016 Gospel Luke 9:28b-36 Second Sunday of Lent