Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’ And the disciples asked him, ‘Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ He replied, ‘Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.’ Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist. Matthew 17:1-13
There are times in our lives when we witness and participate in extraordinary events. Whether it's the birth of a child, a wedding day, an ordination, or some other extraordinary event, they stay with us and return to our memories to encourage and restore our hope. Peter, James and John were up on a mountain with Jesus and they witnessed an incredible moment and are terrified. And yet it was this overwhelming terrifying event that gave them hope and strength in the days to come. Some of us feel like we are in times when nothing good will happen. It is these times we are called to remember when we were overshadowed by love, when we were struck dumb in awe of the love that surrounds us.
Loving Creator, you overwhelm us with love
showering us with all we need to live and thrive
and promising us strength in our darkest days.
Some seasons we are overshadowed by fear
we suspect everyone is trying to do us harm
and cower in the safe places we have carved out.
Lord, help us be brave and hopeful in hard times
remembering how your love covers and restores us
and give us the strength to bring your love to our world. Amen.
