Uncreated Light

On this last Sunday in Epiphany, we remember and celebrate the radical change in appearance of Our Lord Jesus Christ, while in the presence of Peter, James, and John, on a high mountain. The Transfiguration revealed Christ's glory to His disciples, in shining splendor of Uncreated Light. For a moment the veil is drawn aside, and men still on earth are permitted a glimpse of the heavenly reality, the glory of the Eternal Triune God.

The Transfiguration of Christ is recorded in the first three Gospels (Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9: 2-9; Luke 9: 28-36). The fourth does not contain an account of the event, but John, being one of the three witnesses, is probably referring specifically to it in 1:14. The Apostle Peter also recalls his (as well as James’ and John’s) presence with the Lord on Mt. Tabor: in 2 Peter 1:16-18.

Often in the Scriptures we see images of the Light of God, the energies emanating from the Triune Being.  This Light is not part of our creation. It is Uncreated, just like God is Uncreated. It comes from God and it existed before the Universe was created. Moses saw it on Mt. Sinai, and this is the Light that floods the City of God in Rev. 22.

In the Transfiguration, we along with the disciples present see the glory of the Kingdom of God present in majesty in the Person of Christ.  They see that in Him, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. They see this before the crucifixion so that in the resurrection they might know Who it is; Who has suffered for them, and what it is that this One, Who is God, has prepared for those who love Him.

When we pray for those who no longer live in this world, we ask that God's "perpetual Light would shine upon them."  May that Light, Uncreated since before the world began, shine on us also.

God our hope and joy, You transfigured Jesus on the holy mountain and strengthened Him for the travail and death that was to come. Please shine in and through our lives, that in happiness or in travail, we may celebrate with faith and serve You with willing love. Through Jesus Christ  our Savior, Amen.