2 Corinthians 4.3-6

Today we reach a turning point. The images in Paul’s letter carry our thoughts through past, present and future.

We hear echoes of Christmas, “Let light shine out of darkness” and remember Jesus being born as the Light of the World.

We hear of the “light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” as we stand on the mountain top alongside Peter, James and John and witness that glory shining in Jesus’ very being.

With Paul we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and look forward to his glorious resurrection.

Between birth and resurrection, though, is the life of Christ which is lived for us and for our salvation.

The glory of Christ, the image of God, is revealed in a sacrificial life of loving and giving, not in a life of power and control.

The glory of Christ, the image of God, is revealed in vulnerability in a world where people would rather walk in darkness than face the light of truth.

If we are to share Christ’s glory we also have to share his way of living. We are called to love and serve others so that our lives will proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.

We too are vulnerable in a world that has still not turned to its true Light. But in the darkness we have a vision of glory on a mountain top when God tells us, “This is my Son, the Beloved” and we can listen to him.