Transfiguration

About eight days after Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Christ of God, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. Luke 9:28-36


We are in the last days of our journey. Our flight home to Sitka leaves early Monday morning. As the sun shines on the new snow and the world looks clean and bright, I am reminded how we all need hope and signs for the journeys ahead. A quiet Sunday morning, flooded with light reflecting off the snow, promises a way ahead, a good journey and clear vision. I will hold the faces of my family in my mind as we travel and take all the laughter and good moments we have had with me on our journey. Love will sustain me as we go.

The disciples witnessed a moment when Jesus was in his full glory, surrounded by Moses and Elijah. They watched as the three conversed in a radiant moment, and the disciples had a clear vision of Jesus. It would hold them on the road and carry them through all they would face in Jerusalem. They understood in a new way the timeless relationship of God to Christ, and would hold the images in their hearts and minds forever. The road ahead was the road to the cross. God's vision and God's love would sustain them as they went forward.

Today, I ask God to help me hold on to love. May the radiance of God's love shine in each of us, so that we can face the road ahead with joy. May we not be afraid of what is to come, and may we hold dear the visions God has given each of us. May our steps be guided by love alone.




The Collect

O God, who before the passion of your only­begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.