Now about eight days after these sayings 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
Rarely do we get a chance to glimpse the whole reality of any individual. We think we know someone and then we learn something shocking or wonderful that changes our minds. The disciples who went up a mountain with Jesus glimpsed his totality surrounded by pillars of the faith. This vision helped them on the road to Jerusalem and the final drama of the cross. James, John and Peter were overwhelmed and fearful at that moment, but it made them stronger for the days ahead. We are invited to glimpse with them the totality of Jesus' sacrifice for us and the abundant love of God which surrounds us all, whether we are awake, distracted or asleep.
Great Creator, who give us insights and glimpses
of your abundant love for all of your creation
showing us beauty in all of the living world.
We are fearful, distracted and often too afraid to see
your beauty surrounding us in are dark, lonely days
and we fail to hold your love in our broken hearts.
Stir up your love within us so we might have a vision
of your tender care for the world and all that is in it
and let us be your living love in the deepest darkest places. Amen.
