#Mount of Transfiguration

[mysticalblizzardcolor]

Christian Mysticism Revealed

[christisilluminati]

Revealing The Truth: The Light Behind The Veil

The Shining Face of Moses

According to the book of Exodus, when Moses descended from the mountain bearing the tablets of the covenant, his face glowed with a Glorious Light. The people trembled before this celestial radiance, for it was a reflection of God’s presence. Moses then veiled his face to shield them from the overwhelming glory - a representation of his fellowship with "THE WORD OF GOD" (Exodus 34:29-35). 

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What we need to take notice of in this story is the location of the Glorious Light. - BEHIND THE VEIL.

The Holy of Holies 

In the book of Exodus, we see God give a very descriptive blueprint for building the Tabernacle. Inside of the Tabernacle was a room called the Holy of Holies or The Most Holy Place. It was a room representing the presence of God. Inside the room was The Ark of The Covenant, God told Moses He would speak to Him from on top of The Ark between the two cherubims. This room was separated from the rest of the tent by a curtain also known as a veil. (Exodus 26:33-34. Exodus 25:22)

In this story what needs to be noticed is that God did not really have to speak to Moses inside that room on top of The Ark, but rather He chose to do so that we could recognize His presence inside of The room of The Holy of Holies. - BEHIND THE VEIL.

The Glorious Light Was Captured

In 1 Samuel we are told that The Spirit of God was enthroned between the two cherubim (1 Samuel 4:4) similar to His location described to us inside the room of The Holy of Holies. (Exodus 25:22) The Philistines once they realized The Ark had been brough to the Israelite camp, called The Ark: God. They knew that this God, that was sitting on top of The Ark was the same God that sent the 10 plaques on the Egyptians. (1 Samuel 4:7-8) However in the time of the Israelites being freed from Egypt, The Ark was not in existence and God still spoke to Moses, without sitting on top of The Ark. These Philistines when they saw The Ark were afraid. They were afraid of God, and they still captured HIM. They captured The Ark. (1 Samuel 4:10-11) At the very end of chapter 4 we are told that THE GLORY OF GOD had been captured: The Glorious light. (1 Samuel 4:22) And in chapter 5 we see the heavy hand of God upon the Philistines with a plague, (1 Samule 5:6) understood to be the Bubonic Plague in order to free The Ark/God from the Philistines. "Let My Son Go!" (COVID-19?)

So, we can conclude with this story, The Ark that resided within the Holy of Holies inside the Tabernacle with the Glorius Light between the two cherubim was BEHIND THE VEIL.

The Mount of Transfiguration

On The Mount of Transfiguration, we see something spectacular. Something that is not fully understood within our religious organizations today. It is here that we are told WHO this Glorious Light is and gain a full understanding of the exact location of The Kingdom of God.

When Jesus takes Pater, James and John up to the top of a high mountain, we see Jesus' transfigure into a Glorious Light.  The bible describes this Glorious light by stating that Jesus' face shone like the sun. (Matthew 17:1-2) This is the same thing we see happen to Moses when he came down from the top of Mount Sinai. (Exodus 34:29)

We need pay attention here, because this is where The Father ties all of His subliminal/symbolic tokens together. He uses Jesus as our last clue. When Jesus transfigured, we see Moses and Elijah appear, holding a conversation with Jesus. (Matthew 17:3-4) These men had been dead a long time. There was no way for Jesus disciples to know who these two men were other than the words that they spoke giving them away. They were dead men, who had died and passed on into another realm. Still very much conscious men in a place that is not in the realm of the flesh. They have joined a Kingdom. A Kingdom not of this world. 

What really happened when Jesus transfigured into the Glorious light that we recognize to be Christ is: the curtain/veil was rolled back and we get a glimpse of The Kingdom of God. And inside of this Kingdom we see two of THE MANY MEMBERS (1 Corinthians 12:12) that make up Christ's body. Again, this is not something we are discussing in our religious organizations today with all of their FALSE DOCTORINES. 

So how do we know these two men make up the body of Christ? Well, it was not before the Veil of Jesus' flesh was rolled back, nor after the Veil of His flesh was rolled back that The Father tells us, "This is my Son." But it was during the moments that the Veil of Jesus flesh was rolled back that He tells us, "This is my Son." - THIS BODY OF MEMBERS found BEHIND THE VEIL of Jesus face. (Matthew 17:5) Just as the Glorious Light was found BEHIND THE VEIL of Moses flesh. (Exodus 34:29)

Luke 17:21 neither they shall say, Lo! here, or lo there; for lo! the realm of God is within you.

John 1:9 There was a very light,which lighteneth each man that cometh into this world(AS YOU ARE BORN) WYC 1382

John 1:9 has been altered to say "WAS COMING" so that our understanding of scripture would not be TRUE.

When Jesus died on the cross the earth quaked and the Temple split in two tearing the VEIL separating the room of The Holy of Holies. (Matthew 27:50-51) We are the Temple of God, and that room dwells inside of our Flesh. (1 Corinthians 3:16) The Tabernacle, The Temple, and that room, as well as all the tokens He left us are subliminal messages/Illuminati. When the Veil split in two He was telling us that we now have access to the TRUTH through what Jesus showed us. And if we can grasp it, we may enter in. Enter into His Kingdom. - SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE

Jesus showed us where The Kingdom of God is. - HE LIVES INSIDE OUR FLESH. He showed us His fellowship with THE WORD - Who is Christ. This Glorious Light behind the Veil of His human flesh. The Glorious Light behind the Veil of Moses flesh. Fellowship with the light. A TRUE LIGHT. He is the ember light that Ezekiel saw inside the wheel, the Spirit of life. We are the wheels. 

Ezekiel 1:15-21 As I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces.  This was the appearance and structure of the wheels: They sparkled like topaz, and all four looked alike. Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel.  As they moved, they would go in any one of the four directions the creatures faced; the wheels did not change direction as the creatures went.  Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around. When the living creatures moved, the wheels beside them moved; and when the living creatures rose from the ground, the wheels also rose.  Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise along with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.  When the creatures moved, they also moved; when the creatures stood still, they also stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose along with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

Who Is The Light? - Illuminati!

Many will have a hard time grasping this TRUTH. - Christ who is the TRUE LIGHT, that lives in every single human and animal: IS ILLUMINATI. He illuminates us with a light and should be the one to enlighten our minds.

The 17th century first Illuminati members believed they were in communication with A LIGHT. According to adherents, the source of the “light” was viewed as being directly communicated from a higher source or due to a clarified and exalted condition of the human intelligence.

They spoke to the LIGHT. The True Light, who is THE WORD. He is the audible WORD of GOD. He is CHRIST!

CHRIST IS ILLUMINATI! - A LIGHT THAT LIGHTETH EACH MAN THAT COMES INTO THIS WORLD John 1:9 

Isaiah 5: 20Woe to you who say that evil is good, and that good is evil; and turn darkness into light, and light into darkness; and make a bitter thing sweet, and a sweet thing bitter.

Satan is not a LIGHT at all. He is DARKNESS! Satan is not Illuminati. STOP GIVING HIM THE TITLE THAT BELONGS TO OUR KING. 

Luke 11:35 Therefore see thou, lest the light which is in thee, be darknesses.

2 Corinthians 3:18 And all we that with unveiled face see the glory of the Lord, be transformed into the same image, from clearness into clearness, as of the Spirit of the Lord.

Hebrews 6:4-6 But it is impossible, that them that once be illumined, and have tasted also an heavenly gift, and be made partners of the Holy Ghost, and nevertheless have tasted the good word of God, and the virtues of the world to coming, and be slid far away, that they be renewed again to penance. Which again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and have him to scorn.

Learn more at:

www.christthetruelight.com

[scobbe]

“For hope is the vibrant, inner tension that holds us at his Feet to receive each life-bearing word that it may be seeded for eternal life. ‘Lord, it is good to be here’— but the here is not so much a place, even this very holy place, but a state of attentive hope filled with yearning love which is already in some way a fruition.”

- Father Basil Pennington, writing on the Feast of the Transfiguration in O Holy Mountain! A Journal of a Retreat on Mount Athos

[thepastisalreadywritten]

Both Roman and Eastern rite Catholics celebrate the Church's Feast of the Transfiguration today, August 6, on its traditional date for both calendars.

The feast commemorates one of the pinnacles of Jesus' earthly life, when he revealed his divinity to three of his closest disciples by means of a miraculous and supernatural light.

Before his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Christ climbed to a high point on Mount Tabor with his disciples Peter, James, and John.

While Jesus prayed upon the mountain, his appearance was changed by a brilliant white light, which shone from him and from his clothing.

During this event, the Old Testament figures of Moses and the prophet Elijah also appeared, and spoke of how Christ would suffer and die after entering Jerusalem, before his resurrection.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record that the voice of God was heard, confirming Jesus as his son (Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:6, Luke 9:35).

Peter and John make specific reference to the event in their writings, as confirming Jesus' divinity and his status as the Messiah (2 Peter 1:17, John 1:14).

In his address before the Angelus on 6 August 2006, Pope Benedict XVI described how the events of the transfiguration display Christ as the “full manifestation of God's light.”

This light, which shines forth from Christ both at the transfiguration and after his resurrection, is ultimately triumphant over “the power of the darkness of evil.”

The Pope stressed that the feast of the Transfiguration is an important opportunity for believers to look to Christ as “the light of the world” and to experience the kind of conversion, which the Bible frequently describes as an emergence from darkness to light.

“In our time too,” Pope Benedict said, “we urgently need to emerge from the darkness of evil, to experience the joy of the children of light!”

For Eastern Catholics, the Feast of the Transfiguration is especially significant.

It is among the 12 “great feasts” of Eastern Catholicism.

Eastern Christianity emphasizes that Christ's transfiguration is the prototype of spiritual illumination, which is possible for the committed disciple of Jesus.

This Christian form of “enlightenment” is facilitated by the ascetic disciplines of prayer, fasting, and charitable almsgiving.

A revered hierarch of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, the late Archbishop Joseph Raya, described this traditional Byzantine view of the transfiguration in his book of meditations on the Biblical event and its liturgical celebration, titled “Transfiguration of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

“Transfiguration,” Archbishop Raya wrote, “is not simply an event out of the two-thousand-year old past, or a future yet to come. It is rather a reality of the present, a way of life available to those who seek and accept Christ’s nearness.”

[hillbilly-thomist]

“Let us be caught up like Peter to behold the divine vision and to be transfigured by that glorious transfiguration. Let us retire from the world, stand aloof from the earth, rise above the body, detach ourselves from creatures and turn to the Creator, to whom Peter in ecstasy exclaimed: Lord, it is good for us to be here.

It is indeed good to be here, as you have said, Peter. It is good to be with Jesus and to remain here for ever. What greater happiness or higher honor could we have than to be with God, to be made like him and to live in his light?”

-From a sermon on the transfiguration of the Lord by Anastasius of Sinai, Bishop

[ahqkas]

♯ PRACTICE MAKES IT BETTER ; theodore nott

PAIRING! theodore nott x fem!reader

SYNOPSIS! struggling with the local slang, you feel out of place until you meet theodore nott, the silent slytherin (based off this req.!!)

WORD COUNT! 2.3k

WARNINGS AND TAGS! fluff, kissing + lmk !

NOTES! reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated :)

HARRY POTTER MASTERLIST!

AMERICA WAS VIBRANT AND DIVERSE. The music scene was thriving with genres like grunge, hip-hop, and pop dominating the airwaves. To you, it was a place of contrasts and boundless possibilities. It was a land where towering skyscrapers stood next to historic buildings, and where you could find everything from bustling cities to quiet, open countryside. The diversity was striking; every state feels like its own little world, with different cultures, foods, and ways of life. It was a country where you could experience all four seasons, with hot summers, cold winters, and vibrant springs and autumns. The sheer size and variety made it feel like there was always something new to explore, whether it was a national park, a music festival, or just a quirky little town.

Then you moved to England.

Leaving behind the familiar sights and sounds of America, you stepped into a new world of magic and centuries-old traditions.

The first thing you noticed was the climate change. England's weather was full of frequent rain and cloudy skies. You had to get used to bringing an umbrella everywhere with you.

Hogwarts in Scotland was completely different from Ilvermorny, which resided on Mount Greylock. The towering buildings of the castle intimidated you a bit as you were used to the more modern school, but you were excited for the change of scenery.

The stone corridors, moving staircases, and enchanted portraits had captivated your imagination. The castle itself was full of new discoveries. Sure, you missed your old friends dearly, every one of them, but the owls worked hard and you managed to make new friends here.

As an exchange student from America, walking the hallowed halls of Hogwarts was a totally new experience. The ancient castle with its sprawling grounds, enchanted staircases, and hidden passageways was like stepping into a dream. But it wasn't just the magical environment that threw you off balance; it was the British slang that seemed to pop up in every conversation.

During your first week, you found yourself constantly bewildered by the new expressions. At breakfast, when a cheerful Hufflepuff asked if you wanted a "banger" with your eggs, you hesitated, unsure if it was an insult or a menu item. When a Ravenclaw mentioned being "knackered" after a long night of studying, you had to suppress a laugh, thinking it sounded more like a sound effect from a comic book than an expression of exhaustion.

The confusion was endless: "snogging" instead of kissing, "knickers" instead of underwear, "blimey" instead of a simple exclamation of surprise. You did your best to keep up, but the nuances of the language often left you feeling like you were missing the punchline of a joke. To put it simply, you were lost.

One afternoon, you were sitting in the library, poring over a stack of books for a Transfiguration assignment, when you heard a familiar voice behind you.

"Ciao, piccola," Theodore Nott drawled, sliding into the seat across from yours. His presence was effortlessly welcomed, with his cool demeanor and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through you. He was a strange boy at first, never letting anyone, but when you warmed up to him, he was a totally new person.

"Hi, Theo," you greeted him with a smile playing on your lips. Theodore had been one of the first students to approach you, his Italian heritage a surprising connection. He often teased you in his native language, enjoying the way you fumbled with the unfamiliar phrases. A nuisance, that he was.

"Come va la tua giornata?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. ("How's your day doing?")

Already hearing this phrase a few times, you learned to understand its translation. With a sigh, you ran a hand through your hair. "It's been . . . interesting. I'm still trying to understand half of what everyone says here."

Theo chuckled, the sound rich and warm to your ears. "British slang getting to you?"

"You could say that," you admitted, leaning back in your chair as you watched his amusement at your misery. "I feel like I need a translator just for conversations."

"Well, if you think British slang is confusing, wait until I teach you some Italian slang," Theo smirked at the idea that appeared on his mind. "It's a whole different level."

Now this got your attention. "Teach me, then. It can't be that difficult from the British slang."

Over the next few weeks, Theodore Nott became your informal language tutor. He started with simple phrases, weaving them into everyday conversations until you began to pick them up naturally. He taught you how to greet someone with "Ciao, amico!" instead of a formal "Buongiorno," and how to say "Andiamo!" when you were ready to go.

One rainy afternoon, as you sat together in the Great Hall, Theo decided to test your knowledge. The rain tapped persistently against the high, arched windows, casting a muted gray light across the large hall. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the sky outside, swirling with dark clouds and flashes of lightning that illuminated the space completely. Despite the dreary weather, the Great Hall buzzed with the soft hum of student conversations, punctuated by the clinking of silverware and the rustling of pages.

Theo, seated across from you at the Slytherin table, leaned back casually, a mischievous glint in his eye. His dark hair fell slightly over his forehead, framing his sharp features. You had grown accustomed to his teasing, the way he delighted in challenging you with phrases in Italian, watching with amusement as you thought through the unfamiliar language. Today was no different, his eyes scanning the hall as if seeking inspiration for his next test.

You had been in the midst of revising for an upcoming Charms exam, your notes spread out around you in a chaotic array of parchment and textbooks. The soft light from the floating candles above cast a warm glow on the pages, making the ink shimmer slightly. As Theo's gaze returned to you, you knew another one of his lessons was coming.

"What would you say if you were really tired?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Theo's questions were always a blend of practical and playful, designed to push you just a little further each time. He spoke with the ease of someone completely comfortable in his skin, his words flowing like the rain outside, steady and sure. His Italian phrases, though foreign at first, began to weave themselves into the mind of your understanding.

Your responses grew more confident, the hesitation in your voice diminishing with each passing day. You found yourself thinking in Italian at times, the language slipping into your thoughts as naturally as your own. Theo's delight was evident, his eyes lighting up whenever you got something right, his praise sincere and heartfelt.

The rain outside showed no signs of letting up, but within the Great Hall, a warmth lingered.

You thought for a moment, then confidently replied, "Sono stanca morta." The phrase rolled off your tongue more smoothly than before, each syllable a small victory in your journey to master his native language. The meaning — "I'm dead tired" — was all too familiar after long days filled with classes and studying.

Theo laughed, the sound rich and genuine, echoing softly in the near-empty Great Hall. His laughter was like a reward, a confirmation that you were getting it right. Silver eyes sparkled with approval, the corners of his lips curling into a smile that made your heart flutter. The warmth of his reaction was comforting against the dreary, rain-soaked afternoon outside.

"Well done!" His voice was filled with genuine pride and delight, making you feel accomplished. His praise was never out of place; it was always heartfelt.

Your heart swelled with a mix of pride and joy. Learning Italian was not just about understanding a new language, but also about bridging the gap between your worlds. Each phrase, each word, was a step closer to understanding Theo better, and a way to connect on a deeper level.

He leaned forward slightly, his eyes searching yours, waiting for your next move. "And if you wanted to compliment someone on a job well done?" His question was another gentle challenge, pushing you to dig deeper into your newfound vocabulary.

"Bravo!" you answered without hesitation. The word felt natural, a perfect fit for the context. As you spoke, you couldn't help but smile, the simple word carrying a world of meaning and mutual respect. Seeing the approval in Theo's eyes, you felt a surge of confidence.

Theo's smile broadened, and his expression softened with pride and admiration. The approval in his eyes was more than just about your grasp of the language; it was about your willingness to immerse yourself in something new, to share a part of his heritage, to make an effort to connect.

The atmosphere around you felt lighter, the earlier tension of the day's studies dissolving into a shared moment of triumph and connection. The Great Hall, with its towering windows and ancient stone walls, seemed to fade into the background, leaving just the two of you in your own little world of language and laughter.

The candles above flickered gently, casting a warm glow that danced across Theo's features, highlighting the pride in his eyes.

One day, as you walked together by the Black Lake, the cold water reflecting the moody sky, Theo turned to you, his expression thoughtful. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the ancient trees that lined the shore, their branches swaying rhythmically as if in silent conversation. The scene was picturesque, the expanse of the lake stretching out before you, a serene contrast to the bustling life within the castle walls. It was quiet out here, and you liked this spot.

"You know, you've picked up Italian slang faster than I expected," Theo remarked, his voice carrying a hint of admiration and surprise. His thoughtful tone blended seamlessly with the natural sounds around you, creating a moment of perfect harmony.

You laughed, the sound bright and carefree, echoing across the still waters. Nudging him playfully, you replied, "Maybe I had a good teacher." The playful banter was a reflection of the easy camaraderie that had developed between you, a testament to the countless hours spent learning and laughing together.

Theo's smile softened at your words, a tender expression that seemed to light up his face. His gaze lingered on you, the depth of his affection and pride evident in his eyes. The way he looked at you made your heart flutter, each shared glance made your knees tremble. Like you were the only girl at Hogwarts.

"Maybe," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with a warmth that enveloped you. "Or maybe you just have a knack for languages." His words were a gentle compliment, a recognition of your efforts and abilities.

The path around the Black Lake was peaceful, the occasional ripple disturbing the otherwise mirror-like surface of the water. The air was crisp and fresh, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and damp earth. As you walked side by side, the world seemed to shrink to just the two of you, the rest of the universe fading into the background.

Your footsteps synchronized, a silent dance of familiarity and comfort. The conversations flowed effortlessly, alternating between Italian lessons and shared dreams, each word weaving a tapestry of understanding and companionship. Theo's presence was a constant, steady and reassuring, his thoughtful insights and quiet encouragements a source of strength.

The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The twilight hues painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, a breathtaking sight that added to the magic of the moment. Theo's silhouette against the backdrop of the setting sun was a picture of serenity and quiet strength, a reminder of the stability he brought into your life.

Before you could fully process what was happening, the Slytherin boy took a small step closer, closing the distance between you. The warmth of his presence enveloped you, his proximity sending a gentle thrill through your body. He reached out, his fingers lightly brushing against yours, the touch sending a spark of electricity up your arm.

In that moment, with the golden light of dusk casting a magical glow around you, Theo leaned in. His movements were deliberate, filled with a tender hesitation. As his lips met yours, the world seemed to dissolve, leaving only the two of you in a bubble of pure, unadulterated connection.

The kiss was gentle at first, a soft press of lips that spoke everything you needed to know. The taste of his lips, the warmth of his breath, the gentle caress of his hand against your cheek — it all combined to create a sensation that was both exhilarating and deeply comforting.

Theo's hand moved to cup your face, his thumb gently stroking your cheek. The kiss deepened, becoming more confident, more insistent. Your hands found their way to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath your fingertips. The connection between you intensified, the kiss becoming a language of its own, expressing everything words couldn't.

When you finally pulled away, both of you were breathless, your foreheads resting against each other. The world slowly came back into focus, the sounds of nature reasserting themselves around you. Theo's eyes, still holding that mix of affection and awe, met yours. A soft, contented smile played on his lips.

"Grazie, Theo," you said softly, your voice filled with gratitude.

"For what?" he asked confused, his brow furrowing slightly.

"For being patient with me. For this. For . . . everything."

Theo's eyes softened, and he reached out, intertwining your fingers in one. "No worries," he replied, his voice just as soft. "I'm glad I could help."

[dumbgoondog]

Hey! I loved your Gojo alphabet, your understanding and characterization of him feels so perfect. I would love to see more like that, (especially for Mahito or Kenjaku haha). I also love the aesthetic of your blog. Have a great day!

Thank ya hun, happy to satisfy. Just for you, here’s Mahito, and I’ll get Kens later.

Mahito NSFW Alphabet

MDNI +18

Cw/Tw — Mentions of killing, blood/minor gore, Mahito is a tw, dub con, stalking

(A)ftercare - he’s not… the best at it. He’ll cuddle ya, maybe say he liked it even. That’s about it though. He’ll probably start reading immediately after. Don’t mistake that for him not caring though! You don’t get to leave his side for at least 1 hour. He will follow you or just not let you move.

(B)ody Part - chest. Not for breasts or pecs or any of that. Your heart. He wants to hear your heart, to feel it. He doesn’t have one, literally, but he really likes their sound.

(C)um - He’s a freak. Where doesn’t matter, but you get to have a very fun guessing game of what is about to come out. Sometimes it’s normal, white cum. Sometimes it’s eggs, like fish eggs. Sometimes it’s slime, thick and stretchy. Fuck you, cuz he’s doing big sperms, spworms, as well. Lay out boundaries otherwise that’s an issue you’ll be having.

(D)irty Secret - there are no dirty secrets, he is dirty. There is a clean secret tho. He really loves doing domestic things with you. He’s fascinated by the human experience and life, even if he mocks it. Going on dates, movie nights, cooking together, making social media posts, all of that is his secret desire. He won’t say it, you have to figure it out.

(E)xperience - I’m of two minds, he has some or none. If he has any experience, he’s absolutely used a transfigured human more for the experience than anythin. Otherwise none because he’s just never thought about it for himself. I DO think he loves watching people go at it. Like a creepy freak. I’m talking breaking and entering homes to watch couples. Going to love hotels and watching. Sometimes he’s mocking about it and judging their performance other times he just stands there. Watching. No expression.

(F)avorite Position - Centipede, naga, anything where he gets to be long and fully grappling you. He wants to watch you, to feel you, from every angle and every way.

(G)oofy - your silly carefree Mahito, should be goofy in sex yeah? Wrong. It’s not that he’s deadpan and serious, or that he doesn’t want to ruin the moment. He’s just super focused! Every single time. He’s listening to your heart, your soul, your sounds. You are the most fascinating thing ever, and he doesn’t want to be distracted by anything not even for a second.

(H)air - That depends. Either he has no hair except on his head or he has his furry pants and he has a sheath. Sometimes though he’ll have hair! … because he’s shapeshifted into something.

(I)ntimacy - yes but not how you’re thinking. He’s a curse, his definition of intimacy is different. He’s very primal. For him it’s making sure you feel good, that you’re covered in his mark, that you smell like him, and poor Jogo the one time he walked in, Mahito went fully feral and split off a clone to fight Jogo while he still kept fucking into you but changing to be on top and mounting you like an animal and biting your nape, snarling. You’re his mate, he protects you, and during sex your souls are dancing together so his brain is going crazy.

(J)ack off - Never. Not until you. He walks away from every interaction biting back the desperate urge to pounce on you. He’s a dog. He’s stolen your clothes, your pillow, any toys, this man has a shrine to you. It’s fucked up.

(K)ink - Somnophilia. He wants to fuck you while you sleep. With your consent of course! If you’re not okay with that would you mind if he jacked off while you slept? It’s the curse part of his brain talking, it’s in his nature to want you while you’re vulnerable. It’s also in his nature to want you to be safe while you’re vulnerable.

(L)ocation - anywhere and everywhere, with and without an audience. On every piece of furniture, in every changing stall at stores, in the park, in the forest, graveyards, everywhere. He secretly really really wants to do it in a coffin in a graveyard. Not one that’s being used, but maybe, but you get the idea.

(M)otivation - Your smell, your blood, your heart, you. Oh pain too, his own or others.

(N)o - he will not shape shift into a child, animal, or anything like that. He’s a freak, not a monster.

(O)ral - you, in his mouth, now. Fingers, thighs, neck, tongue, oh he loves tasting you. Having you in his mouth. He has a theory it’s his latent desire to eat you, as a curse.

(P)ace - overwhelming, overstimulating, rapidly changing. He fucks like a rabbit most of the time, otherwise it’s whatever he’s in the mood for or what you ask for. He’s very happy when you ask him for things.

(Q)uicky - yes. Anywhere, anytime, audience or none. Most people can’t see him anyways! He wonders if on the cameras your hole is just gaping and spasming from pleasure while he fucks you.

(R)isk - his only limits is not being a child or animal. Punch, kick, stab, use a wound, it’s all on the table if you say yes!

(S)tamina - he has a good deal, but not to much above average. Once he cums he’s usually done, sometimes he’ll go for two or three rounds tho

(T)oys - he likes watching you use them on yourself, not on him though. Specifically you using them. If he’s making you feel good he’s using his body. Not because he’s insecure, but because he can shape shift to do whatever that toy is doing.

(U)nfair - He LOVES teasin ya. Sexually and non sexually. He loves your reactions! Try to tease him and he’s chasing you. You are prey and he’s a predator playing with his food. Not the other way around

(V)olume - he’s so loud and never shuts up. He’s talking about everything he’s feeling, how you look, how you sound, and if applicable, getting you pregnant. Yeah. Making little hybrids, knocking you up, taking care of you while you’re pregnant, he’s really into it. It’s part primal, partly the desire for that domestic life.

(W)ild Card - Yandere. Full on stalking, collecting any of your belongings like it’s treasure, tracking your schedule, stalking socials, learns all your friends names and their history’s. He’s not going to kill any of them… if he doesn’t have too. If they make you happy he can cope if he doesn’t like them. The creep at the bar though? Dead. Any bullies? Probably dying too.

(X)-ray - Camando, or because he thinks it’s funny, the laciest black lingerie you’ve ever seen.

(Y)es - Collars, or eternity collars, for both of you! Matching ones! Watch his tail wag and eyes just fucking sparkle.

(Z)zz - he doesn’t sleep. He can’t sleep. He will meditate tho, more often than not he just reads.

[marauder-misprint]

Flying trails

James Potter x reader

1k words

cw: fluff

You and James have been quidditch rivals since you both made your house teams in your second year at Hogwarts. You were both chasers, making every game a challenge to fly better, pass better and score more. It was good natured though. You didn’t really hate him and you don’t think he really hates you. You both just want to be the better quidditch player.

That’s why when you heard of flying trails in Irondale and Clagmar Coast, he was the first person you went to.

“There are these flying trails. Apparently Imelda Reyes, you know the legend from the Hollyhead Harpies? Yeah, she trained on these trails. I want to try them out,” you told him in between classes.

“Oi, is that a challenge?”

“Only if you're delusional enough to think you can best me.”

“It’s on. I’ll meet you after class.” 

He was waiting for you by the south exit of the grounds after classes, his broom resting on his shoulder. 

“Where’s the first one?” he asked.

“Irondale.”

You mounted your brooms and took off. Irondale was too far to walk to before dark and you also wanted to do the Clagmar Coast trail as well. You and James didn’t bother racing to Irondale. You wanted to save your energy and drive for the actual trails. 

Once in Irondale, it was easy to find the trail. It was well marked despite not being used by Hogwarts students. The two of you did a test lap before your official race. And then you ended up doing three races at that trail. You tied every single time. 

“Alright, Potter. There’s another one. More difficult. Let’s hit up that one,” you told him and then you were off to the southern coast. 

The Clagmar Coast trail was just as well marked as the Irondale one. You took a minute to take in the ocean breeze as you stood on the beach. If you weren’t here to demolish James in a race, you’d consider it a nice place to relax – when it wasn’t too cold. 

“Let’s make a bet,” you said with a grin. 

“Yeah?” James responded, intrigued. “What’s the wager?”

“Hmm, loser has to do something for the winner.” 

A vague bet, but when you won, you’d have James do your transfiguration homework for a month. Or maybe a public declaration that you are the better quidditch player. Or he’d have to carry your books for the rest of the year. The options were endless.

“Something? Like anything?”

“Yeah.”

“You’re on.”

You readied yourself and mounted your broom; James did the same. Hovering in the air, you both counted down from three. You were off. You weaved around the obstacles. You made sharp turns. You could feel droplets of water spray as you streaked over the ocean. You neared the end and you were neck-in-neck with James. Then he was pulling ahead. No matter how hard you pushed your broom, you couldn’t catch up. He was going to win. You’d have to do something for him. 

But at the last second, he made a drastic turn in the wrong direction. Your broom was going too fast to see what he was doing. James didn’t win. You did. 

You won, but you were furious. He let you win. 

James landed before you, dismounting with the precision of someone whose broom was just another extremity of theirs. 

“I can’t believe you!” you yelled at him as you dismounted not far from him. You threw your broom down on the ground and stormed toward him. “You had me beat! What the bloody hell was that?”

He shrugged and said in a calm voice, “You’re the better flyer.”

You stopped and took a step back. Confusion took over your features as you stared at James. 

“Who are you and what have you done with James Potter?” 

He didn’t respond. He walked off the small pier to the beach and looked out to the ocean.

“Potter!”

You followed him down, still frustrated, but he still didn’t respond. He just shoved his hands in his pockets. 

“James?” you asked, uncertain if you should get any closer to him. Part of you wanted to smack him and demand a rematch, but another part was concerned that your rival was being contemplative. That wasn’t who he is.

“You won,” he said. “What are you having me do?”

There was no mirth, no teasing in his voice. It was the most plain you had ever heard James. You shook your head despite him not looking at you.

“No. You would’ve won if you weren’t stupid.”

He turned and looked at you with a strange softness in his eyes. He didn’t say anything. He just held your gaze for what felt like a full minute. And then he moved toward you in two long strides and crashed his lips to yours. You stood there. Shocked didn’t eleven begin to describe it. But as soon as he pulled back a hair, you were chasing his lips with yours and you were kissing him with more fervor than he was before he matched your pace.

Before you knew it, and unsure exactly how, your back hit the cold stone of the cliff. James had one hand cushioning the back of your head so it didn’t hit the stone and his other was kneading bruising into your hip. You had one arm slung limp over his shoulder and your other hand tangled in his hair. 

When he pulled back for air and rested his forehead against yours, he asked, “Can my winnings be having you as my girlfriend then?”

Once again, you had conflicting feelings. You wanted to smack him again, but also to laugh and possibly kiss him again.

“You needed a bet to ask me that?” you asked in disbelief, despite your smiling betraying you. 

“Is that a yes?”

You gave a short laugh. “As long as you don't expect me to go easy on you during the next match.”

“Gods, I wouldn’t dream of it. I expect you to go harder.”

“Then, yes, that’s a yes, Potter.” You placed a quick peck on his lips before slipping away from him and heading back toward your broom. “Let’s do this trail one more time and do not go easy on me.”

tag: @navs-bhat

[hollowed-theory-hall]

Harry Potter is Really Magically Powerful

So, in continuation to this post, and my desire to show some love to Harry James Potter, this post is dedicated to showing how magically powerful Harry actually is in the books — which is insanely powerful. Harry doesn't think of himself as a great wizard, but he is — definitely powerful enough to be Voldemort's equal (and Dumbledore's for that matter).

Under the cut are some quotes from the books that prove this.

Accidental Magic

Let's start with Harry's childhood accidental magic. Tom was considered prodigious for being able to steal things with magic and make animals obey him intentionally. Neville, as a late bloomer, bounced when thrown, which is the bare minimum of childhood accidental magic young witches and wizards should be doing.

Now he came to think about it…every odd thing that had ever made his aunt and uncle furious with him had happened when he, Harry, had been upset or angry…chased by Dudley’s gang, he had somehow found himself out of their reach…dreading going to school with that ridiculous haircut, he’d managed to make it grow back…and the very last time Dudley had hit him, hadn’t he got his revenge, without even realizing he was doing it? Hadn’t he set a boa constrictor on him?

(Philosopher's Stone, page 44)

Harry has:

Apparated out of Dudley's reach when in danger to get away - advanced magic only allowed to practice from the age of 16!

Growing back all his hair from not liking the bad haircut.

Disappearing the glass of the Boa Constrictor case and leashing it

not even when he’d had to take a school report home to the Dursleys saying that he’d somehow turned his teacher’s wig blue.

(Philosopher's Stone, page 84)

4. Turning his teacher's hair blue.

We see Harry is capable of aparation, transfiguration, and various charms at a level that is considered prodigious. Harry was incredibly advanced as a child according to his feats of magic before even knowing magic was real. And while he wasn't as intentional as Tom, he was aware enough to know odd things happened when he was "furious or upset" that the odd things responded to him.

Intuitive Casting

I wrote later in this post about this, but I do want to write a whole essay about how magic works in the Wizarding world, but like, really in short, emotion and intention matter in magic. A lot.

And we see Harry make use of this fact to great effect. Using spells with intention to change the way they behave and they work for him because of how magically prodigious he is.

Harry raised his own wand. “Protego!” Snape staggered; his wand flew upward, away from Harry — and suddenly Harry’s mind was teeming with memories that were not his — a hook-nosed man was shouting at a cowering woman, while a small dark-haired boy cried in a corner. . . . A greasy-haired teenager sat alone in a dark bedroom, pointing his wand at the ceiling, shooting down flies. . . . A girl was laughing as a scrawny boy tried to mount a bucking broomstick — “ENOUGH!” Harry felt as though he had been pushed hard in the chest; he took several staggering steps backward, hit some of the shelves covering Snape’s walls and heard something crack. Snape was shaking slightly, very white in the face.

(Order of the Phoenix, page 591)

This is from the last of Harry's and Snape's Occlumancy lessons. What's interesting here is that from Snape's words, it seems the protego spell isn't supposed to work like that. Harry is magically powerful enough to make protego (shield charm) to defend him from Legilamancy, turn the Legilamancy onto Snape and disarm Snape.

No wonder Snape is shocked, it really isn't supposed to work. Unless you're Harry Potter, that is.

He did say in their first lesson the rules of magic don't seem to apply to Harry.

“Reparo!” hissed Snape, and the jar sealed itself once more. “Well, Potter . . . that was certainly an improvement. . . .” Panting slightly, Snape straightened the Pensieve in which he had again stored some of his thoughts before starting the lesson, almost as though checking that they were still there. “I don’t remember telling you to use a Shield Charm . . . but there is no doubt that it was effective. . . .”

(Order of the Phoenix, page 591)

What I marked here is the fact in all their occlumancy lessons, even the first, Snape always placed a few memories in the pensive. He chose memories he didn't want Harry to see and place them there.

Okay... so why is that a big deal?

Snape repeatedly belittles Harry's magical skills, and yet, he fears Harry would turn the Legilemancy connection back on him. Legilemancy as Snape explained is no easy skill:

“Only Muggles talk of ‘mind reading.’ The mind is not a book, to be opened at will and examined at leisure. Thoughts are not etched on the inside of skulls, to be perused by any invader. The mind is a complex and many-layered thing, Potter . . . or at least, most minds are. . . .” He smirked. “It is true, however, that those who have mastered Legilimency are able, under certain conditions, to delve into the minds of their victims and to interpret their findings correctly...”

(Order of the Phoenix, pages 350-351)

As such, he doesn't expect Harry to be capable of it. But that’s a lie. He clearly thinks Harry is skilled enough to be a threat in this situation. That Harry just might be able to turn this around and glimpse his own memories, which is no easy feat.

And Snape is many things, but stupid isn't one of them. If he thinks Harry is uniquely magically prodigious to be capable of this, then Harry probably is. Especially considering how much Snape hates Harry and how much he'd rather think he's stupid, useless, and unskilled.

“SHE KILLED SIRIUS!” bellowed Harry. “SHE KILLED HIM — I’LL KILL HER!” And he was off, scrambling up the stone benches. People were shouting behind him but he did not care. The hem of Bellatrix’s robes whipped out of sight ahead and they were back in the room where the brains were swimming. . . . She aimed a curse over her shoulder. The tank rose into the air and tipped. Harry was deluged in the foul-smelling potion within. The brains slipped and slid over him and began spinning their long, colored tentacles, but he shouted, “Wingardium Leviosa!” and they flew into the air away from him. Slipping and sliding he ran on toward the door.

(Order of the Phoenix, page 809)

Okay, so can we talk about this Levitation Charm? Please?

Like, get this, he uses Wingardium Leviosa, like a shield charm that sends multiple magical projectiles away from him. This isn't how this charm works, but it is if you're Harry Potter. (again, this is that intention use I mentioned)

The point is, that Harry is magically powerful enough to bend the way spells are meant to work to fit his will and situation.

And when Voldemort possesses him at the end of the fight in Order of the Phoenix:

He was gone from the hall, he was locked in the coils of a creature with red eyes, so tightly bound that Harry did not know where his body ended and the creature’s began. They were fused together, bound by pain, and there was no escape — And when the creature spoke, it used Harry’s mouth, so that in his agony he felt his jaw move. . . . “Kill me now, Dumbledore. . . .” Blinded and dying, every part of him screaming for release, Harry felt the creature use him again. . . . “If death is nothing, Dumbledore, kill the boy. . . .” Let the pain stop, thought Harry. Let him kill us. . . . End it, Dumbledore. . . . Death is nothing compared to this. . . . And I’ll see Sirius again. . . . And as Harry’s heart filled with emotion, the creature’s coils loosened, the pain was gone, Harry was lying facedown on the floor, his glasses gone, shivering as though he lay upon ice, not wood. . . .

(Order of the Phoenix, page 816)

Harry kicks Voldemort out.

As I mentioned, I have a a whole theory I'm drafting about magical theory and how magic works in the Wizarding World, but emotion as Harry describes in this scene is part of it. Emotion drives childhood accidental magic. Emotion is required to cast the Patronus charm and any of the unforgivable. Because of how emotion is tied to magic in this world, this instance is Harry's magic kicking Voldemort in his full power out of his mind.

Which is an impressive feat of magic.

Advanced Charmwork

“Oh — yeah —” said Harry, quickly forcing his thoughts back to that first broom ride. “Expecto patrono — no, patronum — sorry — expecto patronum, expecto patronum —” Something whooshed suddenly out of the end of his wand; it looked like a wisp of silvery gas. “Did you see that?” said Harry excitedly. “Something happened!”

(Prisoner of Azkaban, page 238)

This is the first time Harry cast a Patronus Charm. On his very first try of this complex charm, most adult wizards fail at — he succeeds. It isn't a perfect casting. His happy memory isn't happy enough, but the problem isn't Harry's skill.

The fact he succeeded in casting it at all with how crap his life has been up to this point is a testament to his magical talent.

Hatred rose in Harry such as he had never known before. He flung himself out from behind the fountain and bellowed “Crucio!” Bellatrix screamed. The spell had knocked her off her feet, but she did not writhe and shriek with pain as Neville had — she was already on her feet again, breathless, no longer laughing.

(Order of the Phoenix, page 810)

Harry, at age fifteen, casts the Cruciatus Curse for the first time. An advanced piece of dark magic that is tricky to cast. Sure, it wasn't the best cast Crucio, but it did work.

It did land.

It worked enough for Bellatrix to stop laughing and start taking Harry seriously.

Harry raised the hawthorn wand beneath the cloak, pointed it at the old goblin, and whispered, for the first time in his life, “Imperio!” A curious sensation shot down Harry’s arm, a feeling of tingling, warmth that seemed to flow from his mind, down the sinews and veins connecting him to the wand and the curse it had just cast.

(Deathly Hollows, page 452)

Like with the Cruciatus Curse, Harry succeeds in the Imperius curse on his first try (and the second try that happens immediately after). In general, Harry learns to cast most spells (even the advanced ones) incredibly quickly — like, on his first try. That's insane!

As Amycus spun around, Harry shouted, “Crucio!” The Death Eater was lifted off his feet. He writhed through the air like a drowning man, thrashing and howling in pain, and then, with a crunch and a shattering of glass, he smashed into the front of a bookcase and crumpled, insensible, to the floor. “I see what Bellatrix meant,” said Harry, the blood thundering through his brain, “you need to really mean it.”

(Deathly Hollows, page 502)

And he gets better over time, both with the Cruciatus Curse, as we see here and his fully corporeal Patronus which is considered an unbelievable feat for a fifteen-year-old:

“Your Patronus had a clearly defined form? I mean to say, it was more than vapor or smoke?” “Yes,” said Harry, feeling both impatient and slightly desperate, “it’s a stag, it’s always a stag.” “Always?” boomed Madam Bones. “You have produced a Patronus before now?” “Yes,” said Harry, “I’ve been doing it for over a year —” “And you are fifteen years old?” “Yes, and —” “You learned this at school?” “Yes, Professor Lupin taught me in my third year, because of the —” “Impressive,” said Madam Bones, staring down at him, “a true Patronus at that age . . . very impressive indeed.”

(Order of the Phoenix, page 141)

I agree Madam Bones, Harry is impressive and is Voldemort's equal magically. Harry isn't just Expelliarmos. he's clever and talented and very magically capable with every spell he tries his hand in.

[mysticalblizzardcolor]

The Mystery of the Transfiguration in Carmelite Mysticism

[dearestdo3]

Hcs for slytherin!james?

He was devastated at first since he's a proud descendant of the great Godric Gryffindor, and now he's their family's only Slytherin

^ but he'd settle in nicely in the snake's den after he busied himself with Quidditch and gained lots of friends and fame

He saw with his own eyes how not all Slytherins are evil like he thought of before. There's actually non-purebloods, as well as decent, nice purebloods in this house!

^ And he experienced first hand how unfairly judged Slytherins are by the rest of Hogwarts, especially Gryffindors

^ Opened up his eyes to a more nuanced perspective, and he became much less judgmental and one-sided than canon Gryff!James

On one hand, I want Sirius to also be in Slytherin, but on the other hand, Sirius Black becoming a Gryffindor and James Potter a Slytherin is absolutely hilarious

^ The duo of all time. Ended house rivalry. They hang out with each other more than they do with their own housemates.

^ Marauders never gets established, therefore no animagi. It's only Sirius and James.

He's one of the most popular Slytherins; he's from a respectable pureblood family, he's good looking, rich, smart, and their Quidditch team's star Chaser

Slughorn adores him. He believes he's ol' Sluggy's favorite snake eventhough he's not that invested in potions

James made sure to stay away from the people he suspected as DE supporters/recruits, and try to convince his fellow Slytherins to do the same

^ This earned him quite a mixed reputation among the Slytherins (and Gryffindors)

Still does his 'pranks' alongside Sirius, but a bit smarter about it and they managed to avoid detention most of the time

Goes into fights a lot with Mulciber and Avery since he still insists on refusing to have anything to do with Dark Arts

^ The two call him a hypocrite for his 'pranks' and mock him for being a blood traitor

Speaking of the duo, he shares a dorm room with Mulciber, Avery, Rosier, and Snape! (RIP)

He would either be besties with Regulus, or they'd absolutely despise each other (it has everything to do with Sirius) (and Quidditch) (and Pureblood politics)

And the rest of these are more jeverus-adjacent, but could be read as platonic too :3c

THE classmate who laughed the loudest and teased the longest when Sev was struggling to mount a broom during their first flying lesson

He'd have a secret admiration (and jealousy) of Sev since he sees firsthand how Sev is so dedicated (and weirdly enthusiastic) to his potions research, his studies, and even cheering on the Slytherin Quidditch team

^ (Sev literally just sometimes watches their practices and games but James counts it as a huge, insanely ooc gesture lmao)

^ He also saw firsthand the bullying and shaming of Sev's blood status from their housemates

^ He might be hostile towards Sev, but his heroism and 'I can fix him' mentality wins

Despite their early tension, both James and Sev managed to warm up to each other and settle their differences after one too many confrontations with the other three dormmates

James would drop comments on how Sev needs to stop burying his nose in books and enjoy the sun (like watching their team's practices and games, wink wink)

Made sure that Sev isn't going to be swayed by the DE lot since he knows how crafty and smart Sev is, and how dangerous the other side could be if they have him; so he made extra effort to befriend Sev and pull him towards the 'light' side

After hearing about Sev's family situation (through Sev himself or via Lily), he stopped mocking his looks and started to gift him stuff every Xmas

^ He'd also softly tell Sirius to leave Sev alone (making up excuses of course so that Sirius wouldn't feel like James is warming up to the dungeon bat)

He still struggles a lot to not be overly sarcastic or mean when he talks to Sev (it's just so hard to when he's Snape) but he makes a conscious effort to be nice and patient towards him

Sev would tutor him in Potions, while he tutors Sev in Transfiguration

^ They would make bets and challenge each other to see which one of them would get more house points

^ This, in turn, made the Slytherins more friendly and accepting towards Sev (because he racks up those pts like his life depended on them, like hell he'd lose to James Potter)

He'd actually open his mind to Dark Arts after years of knowing and befriending Sev, and see that having knowledge in it would bring benefits that people often overlook

^ He would ask tons of questions to Sev (which Sev would begrudgingly and happily oblige)

He feels kinda proud that he gains Sev's friendship, like he'd just befriended a Bearded Dragon; it's something special and not a lot of people get this close to the prickly git

Lily would get jealous that her best friend is being pulled away by the arrogant toerag LOL

[portraitsofsaints]

Saint Elijah 

900 BC

Feast Day: July 20

Patronage: Carmelites, Air Forces, civil aeronautics, Romanian Air Force

Saint Elijah or Elias is considered one of the greatest Old Testament prophets who lived in Israel during the reign of King Ahab. His life and mission are chronicled in the Book of Kings with many victories and miracles. He is considered the Father of the Carmelites and the order traces its origin to him. During his ministry, he went up to Mount Carmel in Palestine to live and pray.  One day while speaking with his successor Elisha on the hills of Moab they were separated when Elijah was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot. He later appeared with Moses at the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor. 

Prints, plaques & holy cards available for purchase here: (website)

[artandthebible]

Saint John the Evangelist

Artist: Juan Ribalta (Spanish, 1596-1628)

Date: 1618-1624

Medium: Oil on canvas

Collection: Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, Spain

Saint John the Evangelist

The Apostle John is the author of five New Testament books: the gospel of John, the three short epistles that also bear his name (1, 2, and 3 John) and the book of Revelation. John was part of Jesus’ “inner circle” and, along with Peter and James, John was given the privilege of witnessing Jesus’ conversation with Moses and Elijah on the mount of the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9). His importance in the twelve grew as he matured, and after the crucifixion, he became a “pillar” in the Jerusalem church (Galatians 2:9), ministered with Peter (Acts 3:1, 4:13, 8:14), and finally was exiled to the island of Patmos by the Romans, where he received from God the majestic visions that comprise the book of Revelation.

Not to be confused with John the Baptist, the Apostle John is the brother of James, another of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Together, they were called by Jesus “Boanerges,” which means “sons of thunder,” and therein we find a key to John’s personality. Both brothers were characterized by zeal, passion and ambition. In his early days with Jesus, at times John acted rashly, recklessly, impetuously, and aggressively. We see him in Mark 9 forbidding a man to cast out demons in Jesus’ name because he was not part of the twelve (Mark 9:38-41). Jesus gently rebuked him, saying no one could cast out demons in Jesus’ name and then turn around and speak evil of Him. In Luke 9:51-54, we see the brothers wanting to call down fire from heaven to destroy the Samaritans who refused to welcome Jesus. Again, Jesus had to rebuke them for their intolerance and lack of genuine love for the lost. John’s zeal for Jesus was also influenced by his natural ambition, as seen in his request (through his mother) that he and his brother be seated on Jesus’ right and left hands in the kingdom, an incident that caused a temporary rift between the brothers and the other disciples (Matthew 20:20-24).

In spite of these youthful expressions of misdirected passion, John aged well. He began to understand the need for humility in those who desired to be great. John’s is the only gospel that records Jesus washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:4-16). Jesus’ simple act of servanthood must have impacted John greatly. By the time of the crucifixion, Jesus had enough confidence in the young man to turn the care of His mother over to him, a charge John took very seriously. From that day on, John cared for her as if she were his own mother (John 19:25-27). John’s rash request for special honor in the kingdom had given way to a compassion and humility that would characterize his ministry in his later life. Although he remained courageous and bold, his ambition was balanced by the humility he learned at Jesus’ feet. This willingness to serve others and suffer for the sake of the gospel must have enabled him to bear his final imprisonment on Patmos where, according to reliable historical sources, he lived in a cave, cut off from those he loved, and was treated with cruelty and reproach. In the opening of the book of Revelation, which he received from the Holy Spirit during this time, he referred to himself as ‘your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus” (Revelation 1:9). He had learned to look beyond his earthly sufferings to the heavenly glory that awaits all who patiently endure.

John was passionately devoted to the proclamation of truth. No one in Scripture, except the Lord Jesus, had more to say about the concept of truth. His joy was proclaiming the truth to others and then watching them walk in it (3 John 4). His strongest condemnation was for those who perverted the truth and led others astray, especially if they claimed to be believers (1 John 2:4). His passion for truth fueled his concern for the sheep who might be deceived by false teachers, and his warnings about them take up much of 1 John. He had no qualms about identifying as “false prophets” and “antichrists” those who tried to pervert the truth, even proclaiming them to be demonic in nature (1 John 2:18, 26, 3:7, 4:1-7).

At the same time, John is also called the “apostle of love.” In his own gospel, he refers to himself as “the one whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23, 20:2, 21:7, 21:20). He is depicted as the one leaning against Jesus’ breast at the last supper. His brief second epistle is filled with expressions of his deep love for those in his care. He addresses his first epistle to a group of believers “whom I love in the truth” and exhorts them to ���love one another” by walking in obedience to Jesus’ commands (2 John 1:1, 5-6).

[heritagebrowser]

Some shots of the magnificent interior of Our Dear Lady church (O-L-Vrouwekerk) in Dendermonde, a provincial town in Flanders, Belgium.

The church has a sculpted Romanesque baptismal font from the 12th century, which comes from Tournai. This is probably the only remnant of the original Romanesque church.

Main altar in early Baroque style, by Antwerp sculptor Hubrecht van den Eynde. This is a monumental portico altar of marble and alabaster, crowned with statues of the patron saints Hilduard and Christiana, and of Christ as Salvator Mundi.

The baroque rood loft dates from 1663. This once closed off the high choir. Artus Quellinus and Mattheüs van Beveren worked on this.

The pulpit, which was made of oak, is also Baroque and dates from 1681. This also belongs to Mattheüs van Beveren. The pulpit is carried by two angels who trample on a heretic who is holding a book.

In addition, you will find numerous other old church furniture, such as confessionals from the 17th century and a communion rail from 1682.

The church contains many valuable paintings, such as Christ on the cross from 1629. This painting painted by Antoon van Dyck was originally intended for the Capuchin Church, which was then located on the Vlasmarkt. After the French Revolution it was taken by the French occupiers and hung in the Louvre in Paijs. After the battle of Waterloo it returned to Dendermonde and was given a place in the Church of Our Lady. In 2024 it became known that it was being restored.

The Adoration of the Shepherds is also a work by Van Dyck. There are also an Ascension of Christ and the Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, by Gaspar de Crayer, and two wooden panels from a triptych from 1617 by David Teniers the Elder. In 2015, this triptych by David Teniers the Elder, whose center panel disappeared shortly after 1945, was made complete again by a contemporary version of "the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor". This new painting was painted by Gerolf Van de Perre. In total there are more than 60 paintings in the Church of Our Lady.

There is also, next to the St. Nicholas altar, a statue of a young beggar, attributed to Frans Duquesnoy. Jos De Decker sculpted the granite service altar from 1975.

There is also a church treasure, which includes many silver objects, such as reliquaries, monstrances and the like.

[religious-extremist]

Every year on the Feast of the Holy Transfiguration (Julian Calendar), Mount Tabor is blanketed by great clouds that obscure its peak.

At that time, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

Matthew 17 ; The Metamorphosis of Our Lord, gospel reading for August 6.