Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking about his exodus, which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep, but as they awoke they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us set up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” not realizing what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” ~ Luke 9:28-35
Jesus' appearance changed before the eyes of his disciples.
But that outward transformation only showed something that was already there.
As we move along through our life of faith, our core being remains intact. Child of God.
I think of it as our life being like that of an onion. We peel the layers back over time to uncover the heart of our true selves.
Layers like pride and anger and envy and ego hide us from others and even from ourselves.
Every morning St. Francis of Assisi would begin with this prayer: "Who are you, God? And who am I?"
The journey of transformation isn't about changing who we are. It's about discovering who we are.
- What are the things in your life that have hidden the real you from others? From yourself?
- Spend time with God praying St. Francis' prayer. Repeat it each day and see what layers God may be pulling back for you.
Holy One, lead me, push me, pull me, prompt me along this journey of faith. Keep my footsteps sure and my eyes fixed on the places you would send me. Amen