“Of You my heart speaks; You my glance seeks… Your presence, O LORD, I seek.”
Psalm 27:8-9
Today’s psalm contains the beautiful line quoted above, sometimes translated this way: ““Come,” says my heart, “seek his face,” your face, LORD, do I seek!” To speak of “seeking the face of God” was a Jewish expression meaning to go to the temple in Jerusalem, seeking to enter into God’s presence spiritually. This phrase takes on new meaning with the incarnation of Jesus, because in Him, the face of God truly became visible to mankind. In today’s Gospel, that heavenly reality is glimpsed by Peter, John, and James on the mountaintop, when the glory of the Lord shines forth in the transfigured face of Jesus. They are given this moment to strengthen and reassure them, so that they can endure what is to come – the crucifixion and death of the Lord.
Even with this heavenly gift, the Apostles’ faith will fail when they are put to the test. But in the end, with God’s grace, they will turn back to the truth, filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to face their own persecution for the faith. Their restored strength and courage will enable them to build the Christian Church and faithfully hand down the teachings of Christ to all generations, despite all odds.
Paul also assures us that someday, our own bodies will be conformed to the glory of the Lord, because our true citizenship is in heaven. Just as He did for the Apostles, the Lord even now gives us glimpses of His glory, bringing us hope for the future and strength for the journey. Despite all the grief and suffering and hardship we may encounter in this life, we must trust that there is something greater in store for us. There will come a day when we will behold the Face of God in eternity, and dwell in His presence forever.
Never lose heart in difficult times, but always seek out the face of God. Those glances of faith and glimpses of glory are there for you, to give you courage. Never fear, because God is with you. Listen to your heart, which speaks His Holy Name, and never tire of seeking His presence.
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