Sharing Vulnerabilities
Today is the Feast of the Transfiguration. It is the day the disciples come to see Jesus for who he really is.
Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” —not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. - Luke 9:28-36
Imagine if we let people see us for who we really are. How would that change our relationships?
When Jesus comes down from the mountain, he is viewed differently by his disciples. They finally see him for who he really is, and they don't know what to do with that information, so they keep silent.
By letting them see him transfigured, Jesus was showing them how much he trusted them. Their relationship was suddenly changed, and what they knew about him was so intimate and personal, they would never doubt again.
What secrets are we keeping from those who are closest to us, afraid they might not understand or might judge us?
If we gain anything from today's Gospel, perhaps it is a message of vulnerability. Jesus let his closest friends in on his secret, making him vulnerable, and yet in sharing, their bond became stronger.
So it should be with friends. Imagine if all who feel alone in the world had the courage to share their feelings with others they can trust. We might just reduce the rate of suicide and drug abuse.
But of course, we tend to isolate ourselves, rather than risk sharing our true selves with others.
And that just leaves us alone.
More to come...