Today's Gospel in Art - Transfiguration of Our Lord

Illuminated Tree, Photograph by Victor Schietti 2016 © Schietti Photografia

Gospel of 6th August 2020 - Matthew 17:1-9

Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. 'Lord,' he said 'it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.'

He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.' When they heard this the disciples fell on their faces overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them. 'Stand up,' he said 'do not be afraid.' And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus.

As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, 'Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.'

Reflection on the Contemporary Art Photograph

Today we celebrate the Transfiguration of Our Lord. We read how Jesus' face shone like the sun. Our artwork is an illuminated tree, photographed by Victor Schietti. The Brazilian photographer uses fireworks to create images of illuminated trees and dancing patterns in his series "Impermanent Sculptures." To achieve his photographic effects, the artist sets off fireworks at twilight. He then uses a long-exposure camera creating these semi-painterly, eye-catching photographs. The method comes from the artist's interest in the momentary change or transformation of the beauty of the trees by light.

Our Gospel reading today says how Jesus begins to shine with bright rays of light, showing His fully divine and fully human nature. In this pivotal passage, the temporal and the eternal meet. The light that surrounds Jesus shows us how He is the bridge between heaven and earth. The event also serves as a bridge between the Old and the New Testament, seen in the presence of Moses and Elijah, representing the Old Testament Law and the Prophets.

Peter, James and John, who witnessed the Transfiguration, learned up close how the light surrounding Jesus illuminated their own hearts and changed them… The transfiguration transformed them… Just like for all of us, Christ's light is there to shine in all of us and… transform us…

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/505

Christian Art - www.christian.art