Shadows

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
—Matthew 17:1-9

There are lights that cast a shadow,
brightnesses that make us dark,
overwhelmed by all that’s hallowed
as we catch the merest spark.

In our littleness we look on,
but we cannot comprehend
what this shining now betokens
in the one we call our friend.

When I glimpse you, Lord, I tremble
though I see the smallest part,
for you see how I dissemble
in the shadows of my heart;

and I fall before your glory
in my terror and my shame;
and you show your mercy toward me
when you dim again your flame.

Then you stoop to where I’ve fallen—
always in the dust we meet.
Here you offer me your comfort
as you raise me to my feet.

Yet the spark I caught is burning,
and it makes my darkness bright.
O, refine me in your furnace
‘til my eyes can bear your light!