Transfiguration: Can others see such light?



(By Alexandr Andreevich Ivanov)



The Transfiguration of Jesus is described in all three Synoptic Gospels.  Jesus and three of his disciples (Peter, James the Greater, and John the Apostle) go upon a mountain.  While there, Jesus was transfigured – his face “did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light” (Matthew 17:2).  The three disciples not only witnessed this (Luke 9:2 states that “they saw his glory”), but they also witnessed the appearances of Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:3) - and of a “bright cloud” (Matthew 17:5).    

From whence came all this light, and can others see it also?  Therein lies an age-old debate.

Third-century Desert Fathers and Mothers became a model for Christian monasticism.  These original monks and nuns lived in the Egyptian wilderness and practiced solitude (the word “monk” derives from the Greek word “monachos” - meaning “single, solitary”) and asceticism.  Fourth and fifth century writings from this tradition referred to “Hesychasm” – which was Greek for “stillness, rest, quiet, silence.”

Sounds peaceful enough.  However, this monastic lifestyle was just a means to an end.  Tranquility was never the ultimate goal.  A deeper connection with God was.  The nature of this connection became central to the debate about what has been called the “Uncreated Light” of the Transfiguration.

By the year 1337 CE, Hesychasm had become strongly associated with particular meditative practices.  These included a heartfelt repetition of the Jesus Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner…”), a purposeful guarding of mental images and thoughts, and a readiness for the direct experience of God.  It has been believed by many that, through God’s grace and mercy, this direct experience can come to practitioners via the “Uncreated Light” of the Transfiguration.

The 14^th-century monk Barlaam, as well as many since, have deemed this belief to be blasphemous.  Although Eastern Orthodoxy embraced it, Roman Catholicism rejected it.  It has only been in recent years that this Great Schism is beginning to heal.  Pope John Paul II spoke glowingly of the heart’s desire to unite with God’s light.

Resources

http://www.orthodox.net/questions/transfiguration_1.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hesychasm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barlaam_of_Calabria

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_monasticism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfiguration_of_Jesus

Copyright August 7, 2011 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved