In today’s Gospel we see Jesus reveal his divinity to the disciples. He was transfigured before them, his clothes turned dazzling white and his face was illuminated like the sun.
We, like Jesus, have also been transfigured, our souls have become dazzling white as our sins were washed away by the blood of the lamb and our faces were illuminated by the love of Jesus filling our hearts. We were forever changed at the moment of our salvation.
A Lakota holy man, Nicholas Black Elk, was forever changed when Jesus called him to servitude. Nicholas incorporated the love of Jesus into his native spirituality and changed the lives of many native people. His deep love of Jesus showed others that you can hold on to your identity and still follow Christ.
—Deacon Marlon Leneaugh is the Director of Native Ministries in the Diocese of Rapid City, SD.