Shining like the Sun

And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Matthew 17:2-8

It has been a long day which started early as there was a 10AM wedding scheduled. A couple who had known each other since they were young, who had gone their separate ways and found each other again, decided to tie the knot in our little church. Life had brought them both some challenges and yet today, they could not have been more radiant. Love has a way to make people radiant, shining like the sun. They might as well have been very young for the smiles radiated and all the weary world was somewhere else.

The disciples were with Jesus and saw him transfigured, radiating, glowing from the near presence of God, who is love incarnate. Love close us changes us, transforms us and joins us to the family of God, the sons and daughter of a loving and ever living parent, one who is not worried about the tux or the flowers, but the love and justice in our hearts.

At the end of the day, I am grateful for the chance to solemnize love, to celebrate a real gift of God made manifest in the lives of others. May we all celebrate the love that God has given us and know that we are transformed daily by the love of God.