THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD
Epiphany VIII
February 27, 2022
“The View From the Mountain”
Something about being in the mountains changes one’s perspective. The awe felt while gazing at the gorgeous, rugged peaks reaching toward the heavens, the crisp, dry air of the altitude, and the beauty all around are both humbling and exhilarating. The “wow!” factor combines with a sense of being small and vulnerable, realizing how insignificant we are in the midst of the immensity of God’s creation.
Time after time, God’s people have turned to the solitude and grandeur of the mountains as they seek to be in God’s presence, whether to cry out in despair, to ask for guidance, or to be quiet and listen. Moses went up Mount Sinai (Exodus 19) and was given God’s Laws for the people of Israel to live by. The Gospel of Matthew tells us of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, when the devil placed him on a high mountain and promised him all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would only worship him, but when Jesus refused, the devil left, and angels came and ministered to him.
The Gospel of Luke introduces the account of the transfiguration rather early (Chapter 9) in Jesus’ ministry, and places it shortly after the feeding of the Five Thousand. We’re told that Jesus invited Peter, James and John to come with him up on the mountain to pray. It seems likely they understood that he needed some quiet, prayerful time, and they faithfully accompanied him. Can you imagine how overwhelmed they were as their Lord’s appearance became dazzlingly white and shining, and Elijah and Moses appeared, talking with him? Then a cloud descended, and they heard a voice saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”
We might have questions about this miraculous occurrence, such as wondering why Peter, James and John were chosen to be part of it. Was it important to hear the voice of God proclaiming Jesus as his Son? Was there a need to show Jesus’ acceptance as the Messiah by Elijah and Moses? Was the assurance of Jesus’ identity as God’s own Son significant at this particular time?
There’s likely no one-size-fits-all answer to these questions, but we can see that this profound experience strengthened and inspired these disciples throughout their ministries. Thanks to David Krueger for his enlightening comment last week about transfiguration — that the real change happened to Peter, James and John, as they became able to see and understand the true divinity of Christ. As 21st Century Christians, we hear the good news that Jesus comes into our lives in the way we need him. He knows and understands us, and will provide the inspiration and strength we need.
This coming Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, and just as we have been privileged to go up the mountain with Jesus, we are invited to accompany him on the journey to Jerusalem. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired as we follow Christ.
Getting ready for a journey,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers