"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Saturday, 28 January 2017 “Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair” (ELW 316)

"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Saturday, 28 January 2017 “Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair” (ELW 316)
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“Oh, Wondrous Image, Vision Fair” (ELW 316)
1. Oh, wondrous image, vision fair
of glory that the church may share,
which Christ upon the mountain shows,
where brighter than the sun he glows!
2. With Moses and Elijah nigh
the'incarnate Lord holds converse high,
and from the cloud, the Holy One
says, "This is my beloved Son."
3. With shining face and bright array,
Christ deigns to manifest today
what glory shall be theirs above
who joy in God with perfect love.
4. And faithful hearts are raised on high
by this great vision's mystery;
for which in joyful song we raise
the voice of prayer, the hymn of praise.
5. O Father, with the'eternal Son,
and Holy Spirit, ever one,
we pray you, bring us by your grace
to see your glory face to face.
6.We have recently witnessed the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States. When leaders, dignitaries and officials are sworn into office, a degree of ceremony and celebration often surrounds the occasion. The parades, solemn vows, music, readings and so on are meant to communicate a sense of glory about the occasion.
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This hymn communicates a sense of glory, too. Yet, it is not exactly the kind of glory witnessed at the inauguration of a political leader. Christ's face shines with something other than newly appointed power and possibility. Instead, his face shines as he turns to face Jerusalem and the cross. In Christ, glory is seen in love born out for humanity on a cross, which for the world looks like anything but glory. Yet, this is the glory that the church will share--love manifest in relationship to God and to one another.
Holy God, so much of this world hungers after glory. We are not exempt from that desire, either. Yet, you bring us into your church by faith and have the power to reveal a different kind of glory in and through us. Give us your glory instead—your love manifest and shining among us. In Christ's name I pray. Amen.
Natalie Hall, '09
Canon for Evangelism and Faith Formation, Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh -------