At our baptisms, we are baptized into the glory of God. One of our Episcopal prayers for the season of Epiphany asks that we might “shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory.” To what end? Clearly, as we move toward the Feast of Transfiguration on Sunday, we are being led to see that this glory, this splendor, this eternal uncreated Light leads us to the hallowing of our wills. Our God-given capacity to live in the joy of loving service becomes stronger as we practice that capacity in small ways.

I think of my neighbor who has been homeschooling her middle-school–aged children during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also making sure that they get outside, play, and come to help out with chores from time to time. Glory in the household.

I think of all of the volunteers at the San Antonio Food Bank, tirelessly offering food to families in need—with smiles and kindness. Nothing smacks of condescension.

I think of the medical personnel who are laying down their lives in the hospitals to bring healing to those who can’t breathe.

I think of all who have worked for racial equality and those who continue to put themselves at risk in the hope of bringing a renewed society into being.

All around us, every day, we are witnesses to that Spirit-led freedom to love and to serve. It is an honor to behold. When we see this love in action, it truly is glorious. We see the whole human family radiant with the freedom to choose love. Christ lifts the veil from our faces so that we can be transformed by seeing and accepting the new freedom to choose to love the whole human family. And God is glorified.