This particular feast day is bittersweet, to say the least. On the one hand, we celebrate that incredible moment when Jesus reveals himself as the One whom the Prophets foretold, who would fulfill the Law, who would bring true freedom. On the other hand, this is also the anniversary of the use of the horrific atomic bomb that killed so many innocent Japanese people.
The central image is that of light and fire of heaven, both in the First Reading and in the Gospel of this day. The prophet Daniel brings us face to face with a vision of the One seated on the throne amid fire and intense light. Luke holds before us the dazzling vision of Christ, and the deafening voice of the Father.
Yet this light and fire have witnesses. Daniel, the apostles...they are merely human. They are fallible. Peter (as always) ruins the moment by opening his big mouth. The Father, in his own inimitable way, says, "Peter, shut up and listen to my Son."
Back to Hiroshima. The fire and light of that atomic blast was our OWN creation. We manipulated creation to become our servant, and turned that incredible power upon the lives of innocent men, women and children. This gave rise to greater divisions, the arms race, and a world wrapped in terror.
So which light do we choose? Do we choose the light of our own making that demands blood for blood, and life for life? Or... do we choose the Light of Christ that speaks of peace, makes weapons fall from our hands, and silences the naïve mutterings of mouths so quick to speak?
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