The Transfiguration of Christ
Today is the feast of the Transfiguration of Christ on the Julian calendar. Something Fr. Dimitri said in his homily this morning caused me to reflect on the great harm done to our souls by celebrity(idol) infatuation(worship). (Note: I'm not confining "celebrity" to the entertainment industry. It could be a politician, an athlete, a televangelist, etc. Anyone who glorifies himself or herself unduly.)
Fr. Dimitri pointed out how careful Christ was to conceal His glory until the time was right, and only then with three hand-picked disciples - Peter, James, and John. Even so, as the icon of the Feast indicates, the Transfiguration of Christ was overwhelming to the three disciples. They are depicted falling, gasping, and shielding themselves from the blinding holiness of the glorified Christ.
I'm not sure I can express this very well - but what struck me was how "un-careful" celebrities and their admirers are with "glory". That is, the celebrity carefully orchestrates the impact of their presence so as to maximize its effect and celebrity admirers crave the impact their idol has on them. Even though it is only earthly glory, and a far cry from Christ's transfiguration, this carelessness results in much damage. It's almost like a soul-burn. Over-exposure "sunburns" our souls and sets processes into motion for both the idol and the idol-worshiper that lead to spiritual, mental, and physical illnesses. Just reflect for a moment on the fate of some celebrities and the pathetic lives of "groupies." Neither escapes unharmed. Just to be clear - I'm not aiming this entry at anyone other than myself. Only God knows how guilty I have and continue to be of idol worship of one kind or another.
Jesus, being truly man and truly God, and the only One Who is in reality "glorious" - protects us until we are ready for a bit of a glimpse. Until our hearts are cleansed at least a little, especially of pride which distorts and twists all things good into destructive passions, Christ feeds us with His humanity, giving us His body to eat and His blood to drink. Like one of the prayers we read after communion states: "Strange wonder, I who am grass partakes of fire and am not consumed." All this just makes me love Him all the more. Our humble God, which might seem like an oxymoron to our power and glory hungry culture, loves us enough to conceal Himself. How fitting to be reflecting on the humility of Christ on the Feast of His Transfiguration. In truth, there is no glory outside of humility.
