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Transfiguring LightA Prayer for the Day
Before I joined the Franciscans, I lived for a year with the Community of Transfiguration in Roslin, near Edinburgh. At that time the community had charge of the Sunday Eucharist in the famous and mysterious Roslin Chapel. I say "mysterious" because I felt some strange influences there—a place where light and darkness seemed in conflict. There were some dark stories about the Battle of Roslin and the bloodshed which was carried into the church of that time, and down into the crypt.
It was in the crypt which was most solemn in its light and darkness. You became aware of the descent below the ground level, and if there was no heat it was both dark and damp. But as you descended, you were faced with a glorious window, the base of which was at ground level, while you further descended into the crypt. It depicted the wonderful light and color of the transfiguration, the effulgent Christ radiating rays of glory toward the dazed disciples, while underneath were the words, 'In your light shall we see light.' I felt a creepy sense of historical darkness in the crypt, but also a theological and spiritual sense of glory.
Our [gospel] text is like that. It is a place of dazzling glory, but also of impending darkness, for here it is that Jesus sets his face and heart toward the cross. Here it is that law and prophet in the person of Moses and Elijah appear in glory, and speak with him about his exodus, the passion which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem.
Lord Jesus Christ, be our light in this new day. Let our lives reflect your glory, our words show forth your goodness, and our actions shine with your grace; in your holy name we pray. Amen.
May the Lord bless you and those you love this week. I look forward to worshiping with you at the Saturday Celtic Worship Service as well as on Sunday morning.
Shalom,
Glenda
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