Looking at the Transfiguration
If we look up—while welcoming, proclaiming the gospel, preaching, celebrating the Eucharist, or walking out into the world— we can see the Transfiguration— Jesus gleaming in stained-glass opalescent luminosity with Elijah, Moses, Peter, James and John. At night, a light within the sanctuary shines through this double-sided depiction for all who pass by or pause to think, “It is good for us to be here,” before continuing on their way. Mystical moments in a cloud of opacity and clarity when day dawns, can reveal Christ’s identity and alter our spiritual journey. When your vision is clouded— keep your eyes open for the coming change, keep silent for the voice of the Holy One, look up to find Jesus in worshiping faces, listen to hear him speak in your heart. Always hold on to the glimpse, like a gift, of Christ who comes again and again, transcending time and space, moments and memories.
I wrote this poem last week as a farewell gift for my wonderful Assistant Rector, the Rev. Paul Keene, who will become the Canon for Parish Life at Saint John’s Cathedral, Denver. On his last Sunday at Christ Church in Short Hills, we celebrated the Feast of the Transfiguration, transferred from August 6. This poem is one part visio divina on the Transfiguration window, which the clergy face on the west wall of our nave, and one part blessing (inspired by John O'Donohue, Jan Richardson, and many others).
Q: Do you have a favorite poem about a piece of art? Or a farewell to a friend? Email your reply or comment on the Substack app.