PHOTO: MARY VAN BALEN
While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, on for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. Lk 9,29-31; 33-36a
When I see something that gives me a glimpse into God’s glory, I want to hang on to it, like Peter. Sometimes when I am watching the sun set over the ocean, I want the sun to stop right where it is, and delay its inevitable disappearance behind the waters.Perhaps a symphony’s beautiful music rolls over me and fills my soul with a sense of God’s magnificence, even more stirring than the music. In a moment my experience of Divine wonder is gone and no matter how long the music fills the concert hall, the gift has passed.
A child’s face, a delicate flower, a violent storm, an embrace…all these things, and anything, can become a window into the glory of God that opens for just a moment. It may move me to tears or fill my heart with deep joy. Such a glimpse of grace cannot be held or recreated. It is pure gift. It reaches down into the soul, transforms it in ways unknown, and then is gone.
Something not to be grasped at, but to receive with gratitude, it is Divine Presence that owns the moment, and I am blessed to be there.
© 2010 Mary van Balen
Speak Your Mind