Changed

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 

We all want to be noticed and highly regarded. Many are happy for a bit of attention, their 15 minutes of fame. We have so many "reality" shows because folks just ache for the attention, even if they get noticed for their foolishness and embarrassing or violent behavior. Affirmation and love are important to our emotional health, and we often falter when we feel neglected. The disciples accompany Jesus up a mountain to pray and encounter the affirmation of the living God. They were humbled, afraid and without a clue. Yet they had a glimpse of the intimate relationship f their teacher to the Creator. They were all transformed and changed. When we witness love so deep, we are all changed.

Loving Creator, parent of us all

we your children often ache for love

we fear we are inadequate or disregarded

and we often stray looking for attention.

Yet you have made us your beloved

you have not reserved love for royalty

rather you shower love in aching hearts

and invite the fearful to the mountain top.

Help us to have faith in your great love

which encompasses all of your creation

and help us be brave and strong enough

to give love away to this broken world. Amen.