Transformations

Matthew 17:

1-9

Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with Jesus.

Transformations can be hard. I recall that before our first son was born, I thought all babies hated me. If I attempted to pick one up, it would cry. I was terrified that my kid would scream bloody murder whenever I would try to carry it. I could not have been more wrong, of course. (Although, when he was born, he did scream bloody murder, but that was only because it was bloody cold in the delivery room and he was starving hungry.) As an infant, I was able to hold him and play with him with an ease that shocked me.

Most, if not all men, feel that way, I think. I’ve said many times that one of the biggest miracles of giving birth, is watching your child become a parent.  In an instant, they go from clueless to expert, simply by being open to holding their child. Transformations can be hard, but not impossible.

Meister Eckhart is a late 13th and early 14th century Dominican priest, theologian and mystic whose writings were so far ahead of his time, the church actually condemned him. Today, Eckhart’s writings are studied and echoed by modern theologians, psychologists and scriptures scholars of all religions and traditions.

Eckhart preached a sermon about the transfiguration where he spoke of how Jesus, the human, transfigured himself into Jesus, the Christ, in order to speak with Moses and Elijah. He frequently spoke of the "birth of the Son" in the soul, a continuous, transformative, and enlightened state where the soul is "born again in God". Although Eckhart did not use the term “Christ Consciousness” in his writings, scholars today recognize that it is precisely what he was referring to. Christ Consciousness refers to an elevated state of awareness, unconditional love, and unity with God that transcends ego. In fact, many modern theologians say that achieving Christ Consciousness is our goal on earth. It is our becoming one with God. It is the transformation of our soul.

We refer to Jesus as the Son of God, as well we should. But we too, are sons and daughters of God. (see John 3:1) Does it not naturally follow then that, as children of God, we are entitled to know God in an intimate way, in the same manner as Jesus? I think so. Jesus was modeling for Peter, John, James – and us – that we are worthy of knowing God intimately and completely through the Christ Consciousness.

Transformation is hard, but I believe that believing I can become transformed and transfigured is the first step in being transformed. I must be more aware of those around me and see their needs and respond to those needs. I have to start practicing unconditional love with every person, animal and thing on this earth, regardless of how they look, who they vote for, or where they live. I need to pray and meditate more to let go of my ego completely and find that rarest of all things, inner peace. Perhaps then, and only then, will I begin to transform and realize a Christ Consciousness for myself.

My world is full of conflicts, distractions and darkness. I need to focus on the light of God to transform and transfigure my life so I can radiate peace and love to all I meet.

Every Day.

© 2026 by Timothy J. Doppel

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