Awakened by the Light

Ever since that night on the mountain, I, John, have been awestruck by light. 

Jesus was up the hill in prayer. I drifted in and out of sleep. Peter snored. James wheezed. From the corner of my eye, I saw brightness through the trees. “What is that?” my half-awake brain wondered.  I nudged Peter and James. We looked. Jesus was glowing. I thought  groggily, “Does he always shine like that when he prays?” We crept closer. 

Suddenly, the night sky above the mountain burst into flame as if something was on fire. But nothing was being burned. I was fully awake now! That light emanated from within Jesus, brighter than any light that I have ever seen. Two others were alight there also,  speaking with the Lord. Peter mumbled about tents. A thick cloud descended on us. A voice thundered. 

It all happened so fast. Then . . . like a mist that lifts from the water,  nothing. Just Jesus, still praying. The night felt so dark after that light.  I was stunned. I could not speak. The place where we were standing was holy ground. 

Now, after all these years, it only takes a sparkle of ordinary light to reawaken that glory. When I see the glistening of the morning, my heart remembers and shivers. As I watch the moonlight on the ocean,  my lungs swell with burning. When I look at the stars, so bright,  here on this island, I feel as though I could explode with joy. I am no longer half asleep to his radiance; I am fully awake. I see that all that he created is alive with his life, his presence! And his life is the light of us all! 

My people tell me that my face glows when I pray. How could it not? I have seen the Light of the world! And the darkness cannot overcome it!

Consider/Discuss 

• Abram saw the light of the stars and trembled at God’s promise. St. Paul was thrown to the ground and saw the light of Jesus; from then on, he fervently worked for the heavenly kingdom. What glimpses of light have awakened you to God? How have those flashes of glory transformed you and changed the course of your life? 
• Sleep is good. Deep slumber is healthy. Yet even in darkness, behind our eyelids, we can be awake to the presence of the Lord. As a Lenten training exercise, as you are falling asleep this week, take a few moments to enter into that darkness within you and allow the light of God to shine in your inner space. How does God want to glow within you as you pray? 

Living and Praying with the Word 

Lord, I have been in a bit of a stupor, resting my weary head.  Spiritual sleep has threatened to overtake me. Awaken me this day!  You are my light and my salvation! Strengthen my eyesight to see  you. All that is bright is in you; all that glistens is in you; all that  sparkles is yours. Flash! Shine! Dispel my drowsiness! Gleam upon  me this day, God of glory!