Thomas Merton wrote, “There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun.” Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander

We are so blessed in Aotearoa to be close to the beauty of nature. Most of us are not too far from a park, a special tree, a garden, a stream, the bush or a hill (mountain). The season of Lent is an invitation to open our eyes, hearts and minds to notice beauty.  Be more aware of the divine in all things – and in ourselves. This may be a glimpse, a noticing, an unexpected insight. It’s always pure gift.  Such a glimpse or insight can happen anywhere,  any time – in the quiet of the bush, the top of a mountain – or in a really busy place. One of my most treasured memories is being asked to hold a six week old baby in the midst of a noisy family gathering. All around me people were busy – talking, laughing, eating, drinking, telling stories. And – for a few precious moments the baby and I were lost in our own world as we gazed at each other in stillness and silence. I felt elated – as if I were face to face with God.

I believe that the Transfiguration is a little bit like this. The first sentence of today’s Gospel gives two signals: Jesus led the disciples up a high mountain; where they could be alone. A mountain in Scripture is often code for a  place of encounter with God. Somehow climbing a mountain draws us away from ordinary life and for a time allows us to see and experience things from a much bigger perspective. It can open our eyes and minds to the big  picture – God’s picture, God’s vision. When we have the discipline and courage to be still, to empty our minds – to be alone, this can create a silence and space for us to be with God – who is always with us, even when we don’t notice.

While Jesus and the disciples were in such a space, Transfiguration happened for them.  Jesus’ face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. …. A bright cloud covered them with its shadow. They heard a voice, “This is my dearly loved son. He is precious to me. Listen to him.” …. They were afraid. But Jesus touched them and said, “Stand up. Do not be afraid.” Then they opened their eyes and saw only Jesus.

Perhaps during this Lent we can search for, be aware of and make happen moments of inner stillness and silence, moments when our eyes are open to the big picture – to recognise God with us. These might be when we are hanging out the laundry, making the beds, mowing the lawn, listening to children after school, helping with homework, preparing dinner, the precious goodnight kiss – looking at the stars together.

Can we open our eyes and see only Jesus?

Judith McGinley