Image: They Saw His Glory © Jan Richardson
Reading from the Gospels, Transfiguration Sunday, Year C:
Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)
And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white…. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, 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 make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” —not knowing what he said.
—Luke 9.29, 32-33
Dazzling
A Blessing for Transfiguration Sunday
Believe me, I know
how tempting it is
to remain inside this blessing,
to linger where everything
is dazzling
and clear.
We could build walls
around this blessing,
put a roof over it.
We could bring in
a table, chairs,
have the most amazing meals.
We could make a home.
We could stay.
But this blessing
is built for leaving.
This blessing
is made for coming down
the mountain.
This blessing
wants to be in motion,
to travel with you
as you return
to level ground.
It will seem strange
how quiet this blessing becomes
when it returns to earth.
It is not shy.
It is not afraid.
It simply knows
how to bide its time,
to watch and wait,
to discern and pray
until the moment comes
when it will reveal
everything it knows,
when it will shine forth
with all it has seen,
when it will dazzle
with the unforgettable light
you have carried
all this way.
—Jan Richardson
2016 update: “Dazzling” appears in my new book Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons. You can find the book here.
And also . . .
ONLINE LENTEN RETREAT: Gary and I would love to have you join us for the online retreat that we’ll be offering for Lent. If you’re longing for an experience that draws you into the season without feeling like it’s just one more thing to add to your Lenten schedule, this retreat is for you. Intertwining reflection, art, music, and community, this retreat is a great way to travel toward Easter in contemplation and conversation, from anywhere you are. Group discounts available! Begins February 13. For info and registration, click this icon:
For previous reflections for Transfiguration Sunday, click the images or titles below:
Transfiguration: Back to the Drawing Board
Transfiguration Sunday: Show and (Don’t) Tell
And I have one more image for Transfiguration Sunday at Jan Richardson Images:
[To use the image “They Saw His Glory,” please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Painted Prayerbook possible. Thank you!]
February 6, 2013 at 6:18 PM |
Thank you for this image and blessing, Jan!
– Clare
February 9, 2013 at 9:49 PM |
Thanks so much, Clare! Very grateful. Blessings to you as Lent approaches.