"My Beloved Child…"
Have you thought about a child in your life as being "beloved"? Or perhaps a pet?
What’s it like to live from a place of being beloved?
How does a child who is truly loved live? What happens when they encounter the people around them? Hopefully, my own children know that they are beloved…. But, I see it now with Luca, my 18-month old nephew-cousin. Luca is adored – a beloved child – and he knows it. Last time I saw him, he walked around greeting the 20+ people who were gathered repeating “happy… happy.” Of course, Luca spread that happiness – bringing smiles to all with more hugs, singing and playing.
We see this belovedness with pets, also. When a puppy is filled with love, they have a tail that wags joyfully and a desire to greet those around them. Even the person who likes dogs the least is willing to bend down and greet the puppy.
Jesus’ – God’s Beloved Child
“My beloved child….”
We read those words a few times in the Christian Scriptures – New Testament.
The first time is when John the Baptist was baptizing Jesus. Depending on your Bible translation – and also which gospel you are reading – the voice of God is recorded as saying: “This is my beloved child in whom I am well pleased.”
Jesus’ Transfiguration
Similar words were heard again when Jesus was “transfigured.” He took Peter, James and John up to a mountain. Jesus began to shine – and was seen conversing with Moses and Elijah. Moses represented the Laws that these Jewish men followed and Elijah represented the Prophets. Jesus appearing with them reminds us that Jesus united and fulfilled both the Law and the Prophets. During the conversation between Jesus, Moses and Elijah, the other men once again heard the words: “This is my beloved Child. Listen to Him.”
Today, the Christian Churches that use the Common Lectionary celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus. Today’s gospel is from Mark 9:2-10. This event is also recounted in Peter’s second letter 1:16-19. The Prophet Daniel witnessed a similar transfiguration which is recorded in chapter 7:10-14.
We are God's Beloved Children
While we remember Jesus’ transfiguration, we are invited to follow Jesus’ example.
What does this mean for us?
© Pray that we will realize in our heart of hearts that we are God’s beloved child.
© Treat each person we encounter as God’s beloved child.
© Become more child-like. Jesus taught that we must become like children to enter the kingdom of God. Part of becoming child-like is living with the joyful freedom of knowing how very loved we are and that our Divine Parent will provide for and protect us.
© Spend time conversing with God from our heart. The more time we spend with God, the more we become “transfigured.” Our lights become stronger and burn more brightly. Jesus also taught that we need to shine like towns on a hill or lamps set on a stand.
Transfiguration and Systemic Change
While I was at One Spirit Interfaith Seminary, Fr. Francis Gargani came to speak to us about Catholicism. One of my classmates asked how we can bring about societal change. After a prayerful pause, Fr. Gargani offered that we need to do three things:
1. Be Contemplative – We need to spend time in personal prayer with God, communicating both ways. Sharing what’s on our heart and minds. Listening and being aware of God’s response.
2. Be Transfigured. We need to allow our experience of God’s love to change us, so that we “shine” as Jesus did on the mountaintop. This is different than being “transformed.” Transfigured implies an internal change that radiates out.
3. Be in Communion. We need to be with other people who are committed to their faith journeys and committed to the causes that God has put on our hearts.
We see all three of these elements in Jesus’ transfiguration story. The men went up to the mountain to pray together. They were contemplative and open to God’s revelation and they were in communion. They witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration – and you can bet, they, also, were transfigured by it. Peter wrote about it!
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie - Transfigured
Today, several Benedictine Sisters of Erie will celebrate their Jubilee – recognizing 70, 60 and 50 years of since they made their perpetual vows of service. AMAZING – right?! Each of these women have lived in communion with their sisters and also with the people whom they serve, often the financially poorest among us. They contemplate God – especially through their communal prayer time with the psalms three times a day. Through all of these experiences, each of them has been transfigured. They know they are God’s beloved child. They truly radiate God’s love and light for all to see and experience. I just returned home from spending a month as a writer-in-residence with these prayerful, courageous women. Their faith, hope and love left an indelible mark on my spirit.
Let’s pray:
Oh God of Divine Love, our Heavenly Parent, thank you for your endless love and the countless ways that you communicate with us through the generations. Thank you for all who have helped us to grow in our relationship with you, including Moses, Elijah, Peter, James and John. Thank you for the people in our own lives who have helped us to live for you and in you like the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. We pause and list them out now…. Please bless all of these people and all those in their hearts.
You invite us to follow Jesus’ example. Please help us to know in our heart of hearts that we are your beloved child. That we are so precious – such a gift. May we live humbly in this truth. Give us the willingness and ability to make time in our schedules to spend time with you. Help us to cultivate a circle of loving companions dedicated to You and your people – companions with whom we can share our spiritual journeys and mountain top moments like this. May we recognize that each person we encounter, each creature we encounter is one of your beloved children. We ask all of this in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.
PS – If you would like companionship on your spiritual journey, please contact me - Rev. AndreaGrace.
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