This is my Son, the Beloved

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Show Me Your Face

Steffany Gretzinger

Today is Thursday the 6th of August, the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, in the 18th week of Ordinary Time.

Steffany Gretzinger sings, ‘Show Me Your Face’. As we begin this time of prayer, you might like to make this your prayer: ‘Let me see your face, O Lord’.

Moses stood on a mountain

Waiting for You to pass by

You put Your hand over his face

So in Your Presence, he wouldn't die

And all of Israel saw the glory

And it shines down through the age

Now You've called me

To boldly seek Your Face

Show me Your face, Lord

Show me Your face

And then gird up my legs

That I might stand in this holy place

Show me Your face, Lord

Your power and Your grace

Your power and grace

I would make it to the end

If I can just see Your face

David knew there was something more

Than the ark of Your presence

In a manger Messiah was born

Among kings and peasants

And all of Israel saw the glory

And it shines down through the age

Now You've called us

To boldly seek Your face

Show me Your face, Lord

Show me Your face

And then gird up my legs

That I might stand in this holy place

Show me Your face, Lord

Your power and Your grace

Your power and grace

I will make it to the end

If I can just see Your face

I know I will make it to the end

If I can just see Your face

4:16

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 17:1-9

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’

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Show Me Your Face

Steffany Gretzinger

As you start this time of prayer, bring to mind those unexpected moments in your life when God’s presence became clear to you - perhaps quietly, perhaps with surprising light. The disciples are overwhelmed by the radiance shining from Jesus - a glimpse of glory they did not expect. In their amazement, they want to hold on to this moment, to build tents and remain in that place of comfort and certainty.

As you stay with this image, notice if something similar stirs in your own heart. Have there been times when you have wanted to hold on to a moment of consolation? To make your faith a place of comfort alone? Gently ask yourself: Where might I be trying to “build tents” in my spiritual life? What might be inviting me to move beyond them?

The light of Christ does not remain still. It draws us forward. As you listen again to this Gospel passage, pay attention to Jesus - to his words… to his actions… to the quiet authority of his presence. What is his light awakening in you? What is he inviting you to do?

9:55

Matthew 17:1-9

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’

11:37

Finally, take a moment to speak with Jesus, as one speaks with a close friend. Share your hopes… your desires… your dreams. And then listen.

13:35

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen