From the Gospel of Thomas, Logion 77
Lynn Bauman translation
“I am the light
shining upon all things.
I am the sum of everything,
for everything has come forth from me,
and towards me everything unfolds.
Split a piece of wood
and there I am.
Pick up a stone
and you will find me there.”
From the Sayings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers.
Lot went to Joseph and said,
‘Abba, as far as I can, I keep a moderate rule,
with a little fasting, and prayer, and meditation, and quiet:
and as far as I can I try to cleanse my heart of evil thoughts.
What else should I do?’
Then the hermit stood up and spread out his hands to heaven,
and his fingers shone like ten flames of fire,
and he said, ‘If you will, you can become all flame.’
This Transfiguration posting inspired my choice of Transfiguration Sunday readings and my Transfiguration sermon- which are now filed away , perhaps for 3 years! , because weather prevented them from seeing the light of day. It was a valuable exercise for me – I think this year I understood more of the ways Transfiguration marks a transition from Epiphany to Lent, and it invited me to go deeper , and invite “my” congregations to go deeper, in their Lenten reflection. The readings you placed in dialogue with the gospel reading open up fresh interpretations.
Hi Janice, what struck me was the phrase “split a piece of wood …..Pick up a stone. There I am. These Are such ordinary plain objects in plain sight but never regarded . They humble us and include the least of us. Everything and everyone is of God. How blessed we are to just be.
I am new to your site. Thank you for this reflection. And the picture of fire-sky, thank you. I wondered why I felt it necessary last fall to paint a picture of fire, flames especially, and burning wood in a campfire. Maybe I understand better now.
Welcome to the Prayer Bench, Carole. I’m glad you are here. I too love the “fire-sky.” Thanks for those words.
Seeing/finding the Divine in the ordinary , that which is before us , always being aware of the Presence .Those thoughts come to my mind from the Thomas Gospel.
Love the picture reflecting the Light and this also reminds me that I am the reflection of God’s light as well. May I reflect well with great love.
What courage it takes to become all flame! We each have that potential within us. It’s the letting it out and letting it go where I stumble. Most days I manage a glow not a flame. The photo of the sun and water in the door window is a wonderful parallel to your quotes, seeing what is not seen reflected.
Thanks for your words Carol. I love the phrase, “seeing what is not seen reflected.” I intuitively chose the photo because it “felt” like it fit – seeing on the slant. But it does hold the meaning I felt in the words. And yes, it takes courage. I’ll ponder that further too.