Being transformed into a better human
Summertime is the time for football clubs to change their squad. Millions of Pounds are spent on new players, new coaches, new management teams, or even new owners hoping for transforming into a better team and achieve higher goals in the new season. Logically it would be impossible for all clubs to reach satisfaction.
This week we celebrate the Feast of Transfiguration. The Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ on the mountain where he shone in divinity, but the unready minds of disciples could not catch it. Jesus transfigured as a human; he suffered as a human in his Passion; his entire mission took place as a human. We also walk in his footsteps; we count ourselves his siblings; many of us suffer in his way, and we hope for the same kingdom and the same inheritance. I wonder what it means to us to be transfigured in this world. Is it changing ourselves to a completely different person at once or maybe a bit of reflection and positive change each time, leading to a gradual improvement?
At the moment, an art exhibition is on in Liverpool Cathedral called “Being Human” with two big human hands pointing at each other and with three other installations, each representing a concept relating to humankind; connection, creativity, identity, and reflection. What does it mean to be a human; of course, other than the biological definition of it? Also, the philosophical or scientific definition of human is not of interest here. There are some general concepts on which most people agree, at least in principle; qualities like honesty, integrity, courage, self-awareness, and wholeheartedness. If you do not believe me, just google the phrase “good human characteristics”. Sometimes the meaning of a good human or being human changes according to the local values; time certainly is a critical factor. But whatever our definition is, developing qualities like honesty and integrity requires a consistent effort. Our transfiguration may not be that scintillating and visible, but definitely, notable to people around us. It might be hard and make us leave our comfort zone, but no caterpillar turns into a butterfly unless leaves its cocoon. It would be for the best and eventually transforms us into something better, a better friend, a better sibling, a better spouse, a better kid, a more pleasant human, or maybe the image of God.
God bless you
Saro
(Honorary Canon and member of the Chapter of Liverpool Cathedral)