Have ever encountered a holy person? I would like to believe that they have a radiance about them, which is a glow or an aura . . . that one could simply “feel.” For example, if Saint Mother Teresa were alive today and quietly walked up behind me, I think I could feel her presence.
This radiance is a result of transparency, of authenticity, of really knowing oneself and being honest. Not having to hide or pretend to be more than you are.
In the gospel we hear about Jesus’ radiance. The event is called the Transfiguration of Jesus. The gospel says that this became apparent at the top of the mountain and we can just imagine Jesus glowing and radiant. But I would like to believe that this transformation didn’t just happen all at one at the top of the mountain, but probably as they hiked up the mountain . . . Jesus was sharing openly with the disciples his concerns, his fears, his affirmations, his hopes. And with each sharing more of his radiance became apparent. So that when they reached the top, of course he radiated.
I believe that Jesus radiated since his conception. Something Mary always knew, something that drew the Wise Men to the stable. Throughout his life, various people identified his radiance . . . usually people on the edges, or people with a physical limitation and even demons saw it.
I believe that we all have a radiance or an aura (of course not as glowing as Jesus), but we all have a presence of God within us. The trouble is we often shield it (block it). We do this by our negativity, our worry, our doubts. But when we can be honest, authentic, open . . . I think that radiance shines forth. It’s like the song “This Little Light of Mine.” Think about it, it’s not in your perfection that radiance shines, but when you are not shielding or hiding yourself.
There’s an old book from the 1970’s by Fr. John Powell. The title is WHY AM I AFRAID TO TELL YOU WHO I REALLY AM? The answer? Because it’s all I have and you may not like it.
And just as we are invited to radiate, to become our best selves. We also can help others to let their radiance shine forth. We can help others to be their best selves.
Journalist, David Brooks has a new book out titled HOW TO KNOW A PERSON. He identifies two kinds of people: diminishers and illuminators. He writes, “Diminishers are so into themselves, they make others feel insignificant. They stereotype and label. If they learn one thing about you, they proceed to make a series of assumptions about who you must be”.
“Illuminators, on the other hand, have a persistent curiosity about other people. They bring out the best in others. How? They ask questions, not yes/no questions but questions that engage the other to think, reveal and share. He writes, “I no longer ask people: What do you think about that? Instead, I ask: How did you come to believe that? That gets them talking about the people and experiences that shaped their values. People are much more revealing and personal when they are telling stories. And the conversation is going to be warmer and more fun.”
Think of that for yourself; are you an illuminator or a diminisher? Are you furious most of the time? Well how about changing that . . . instead of being furious, be curious. Ask questions. People love to tell their stories.
Ask simple questions like, Where did you grow up? How did you get your name? And in cases when there is conflict don’t say, “What’s wrong with you?” Try, “What happened to you?”
We all have God’s radiance within us. And we can foster that radiance (bring it out in others). We can do that with individuals and with communities. As we hope to bring out the best from each other, as we look to start building our new church. Saint Benedict: If we’re going to “connect” with folks today, we need to listen to them with the “ear of the heart.”