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 often ache for mountain top experiences, the wow factor, something to crow about. And yet when we are faced with real mountain top experiences, it tends to bring us to silence and to our knees. We are overwhelmed, and no longer know how to live, we are so changed. We find the disciples in that ultimate moment, when they recognize the true divinity of Jesus. They are spoken to, just to bring the point home. For a moment, the barrier between temporal and eternal was broken and they were given a vision of the reality of God's love for us all. They were stunned, as we are, when love overpowers us and shows us that we are more valuable the fine gold. We may not have mountaintop experiences, but we can, be ever so grateful when the heart of God speaks to us with love. When a simple meal is shared, a sorrow listened to, a hand held in the dark.
Loving Creator, you give us a vision
of your love for us in the blue sky
in the countenances of the infants
and in the bird songs at the break of day.
Precious Lord, help us see your love in every face today.
We ache for the spectacular and exciting
yet you visions are often in the dark
a whisper and a song upon the wind
that reminds us that we are truly loved.
Precious Lord, help us see your love in every face today.
Help us when we feel isolated and alone
to know your presence among us today
let our wish be to seek you in the silence
and call for you in the darkest of nights.
Precious Lord, help us see your love in every face today.
We are confused and often unable to see
but you restore our sight and give us voice.
Precious Lord, help us see your love in every face today.
We stumble and are rarely humble
yet you call us back and embrace us all.
Precious Lord, help us see your love in every face today.
Help us to know you as we share our lives
with the strangers and neighbors all around.
Precious Lord, help us see your love in every face today. Amen.
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