Minding the Words

Precision in language is important. It allows us to make necessary distinctions. This is true with the words 'transformation' and 'transfiguration'. Transformation means that something or someone becomes something or someone else, a change that is durable. Transfiguration means that something or someone becomes a revelation, a crack into the depths of God's purposes for us and for all the creation, a revelation or insight that is momentary. Transfigurations are often the beginning point of the process of transformation.