Truth Based on Faith and Tradition

Last fall, I believe, a commentator on television was trying to convince the world that unidentified flying objects somehow came from the belief system expressed early on and as depicted by the paintings which stemmed from "biblical teaching". They erroneously came to this conclusion by observing what looked like spiked illuminated star-like illustrations that extended from the top of the drawings or from the heavens, and that were expelling light, were space craft of other beings. People visiting us from who knows where. This is a foolish notion and is utterly laughable. The light supposedly extending from the star-like illustrations are to indicate that God is the "Light" of the World. Not extraterrestrials.

People like me, observing the show and familiar with the icons knew immediately that the information was being misconstrued. Unfortunately, those who are not rooted in tradition, did not understand that the sacred and written icon's message was to show connection between God and mankind. That is the point I want to make here, that you cannot believe all that you hear or see for that matter, especially on television where through the use of computers, visual facts can be altered to prove one's own and even bogus theory.

This leads me to another subject, one more than worthy to mention, the "Eyewitness to Greatness." This symbol I spoke of is present on most Icons that convey a very important fact and that is that on the feast day we celebrate, and have for thousands of years, a mysterious event occurred, unlike any to this day. It is called the Transfiguration. The written symbol also appears on other Icons such as: The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan.

Not all people are accepted in their own country, that receive recognition for greatness on the outside. (The Orthodox Study Bible) Luke:4:24 Then He said, "Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country."

So it is in the case with Jesus, there were many Jews in his town, and city who did not know who he was, (that is: the Lord), and like so many of the people today, had their doubts. I find looking at the Icons produced at that time to be a form of eyewitness. If you examine them, you will see the heaven and earth connection by the symbol I just pointed out, along with the Transfigured Jesus, but if that doesn't do it, we have the eyewitness of Apostle Peter, James and John.

This feast day is celebrated on August 6. It was an event that showed the "greatness" of Jesus as He was transformed on the Mountain. If you look at the Icon and read the testimony, the face of Jesus shone like the sun, His garments were as white as the snow. On His left and right were Moses and Elias, (representing the law and prophets.)

It would fair to say that the witnesses were frightened out of their minds. Imagine seeing Jesus illuminated in that fashion without warning, having never seen anything like that before. How about witnessing from out of nowhere two other men? Moses, long dead.

The Icon would show the three of them on the ground, one looking away, one looked as if he were thrown on his back, and another trying to shield himself with his garment. They obviously could not look upon the sight, nor stand in the presence of the Almighty God.

(John 1:34) "And we beheld His glory, the glory as it were of the Only-Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." These are the words of the Eyewitness. I don't know how you feel, but science cannot top what happened here, no matter how many flights to the moon, or anything else they can boast about to this very day.

If that wasn't enough, then it was said by the gospel writers to dispel doubts of Christ's Divinity when the confirmation came from above as we read in (Matthew 17:5)"This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased."

I'll bet the eyewitnesses would have wanted to say, "why me?" Without a doubt none of us deserve to see such greatness. And, for what privilege have they been shown that Jesus is in all certainty, the Son of God?

Tomorrow we will hear the hymn that our Holy Orthodox Church prescribed for the Transfiguration which will offer the explanation.
"So that when they would see You crucified, they might know that your suffering was voluntary, and might proclaim to the world that you are truly the brightness of the Father."

Was it necessary for the follower's of Christ to Witness His transfiguration on Mount Tabor? Even with this knowledge, you may recall Peter's denial and cock crowing thrice. We will hear the words again...will they sink in this time? Will they change your life, belief, draw you closer for a second look?

I will become instrumental in proclaiming this miracle as given to us by the Church and it's tradition, through the faith of the eyewitnesses by presenting the hymn of this major feast day, (and proclaim the truth, the voluntary suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus). The fact is, He did it for love. I feel totally awed and humbled to serve Him in this way.

Jesus will be present in the Eucharist, (His body and blood), for all who draw near, to touch your heart and soul with His love for you. Will you be there to receive Him?