Transfigured

"Transfiguration" - by Daniele Gori, born in Faenza, Italy in 1971.

A self-taught artist, he has shown his works in many Italian cities, and

also in Winchester. His style is described as "21st Century Surrealism".

Last Sunday's readings (Roman Lectionary) included Mark's account of The Transfiguration of Jesus. In the lead-up to Christ's Passion, this event, witnessed only by the Apostles Peter, James and John, was pivotal to their understanding (and ours) that Jesus is more than just a gifted, radical rabbi.

Father in heaven, whose Son Jesus Christ was wonderfully transfigured before chosen witnesses upon the holy mountain, and spoke of the exodus He would accomplish at Jerusalem: give us strength so to hear His voice and bear our cross that the peoples of the world may see Him as He is; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

“Transfiguration” – Malcolm Guite

For that one moment, ‘in and out of time’, On that one mountain where all moments meet, The daily veil that covers the sublime In darkling glass fell dazzled at his feet. There were no angels full of eyes and wings Just living glory full of truth and grace. The Love that dances at the heart of things Shone out upon us from a human face And to that light the light in us leaped up, We felt it quicken somewhere deep within, A sudden blaze of long-extinguished hope Trembled and tingled through the tender skin. Nor can this this blackened sky, this darkened scar Eclipse that glimpse of how things really are.

Malcolm Guite, in his own words - "I am a poet-priest (and performer), Chaplain of Girton College, Cambridge, but I often travel round Great Britain, and to North America, to give lectures, concerts and poetry readings". Malcolm's Blog is to be found at https://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/

TRANSFIGURATION BLESSING

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 that it has seen,

when it will dazzle with the unforgettable light

you have carried all this way.

Jan L. Richardson

Jan says of herself: "I am an artist, writer, and ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. I serve as director of The Wellspring Studio, LLC, and travel widely as a retreat leader and conference speaker." Known for her distinctive intertwining of word and image, Jan’s work has attracted an international audience drawn to the welcoming and imaginative spaces that she creates in her books, online blogs, and public events. Blog - http://paintedprayerbook.com/