Mountaintop Vision

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

When I was still a deacon in 1990, right after Thanksgiving I flew to Florida to be with my sister Pegi. She was facing cancer surgery and my parents were already there. I had plenty of hospital experience by then, but this was different. It was my older sister who I loved dearly. I came to her room and standing in the doorway, I saw a vision. My parents were on each side of her leaning in with such great love. And Pegi was radiant, beautiful and completely bald. I knew then she was not going to live, and I also knew, she was loved and would continue to be surrounded by love in the world beyond. Visions are both a gift and challenge, as they were for the disciples, and the weight of knowing a very hard truth, was surely upsetting to their souls.

Wondrous Creator, you give us insight

you strengthen us with insight and learning

you empower us with kindness and compassion

and hold us when the truth is so hard to hear.

We often run from the hard truths in life

we pretend that we are able to handle everything

in our private spaces we tremble with fear

and cry out to you in our darkest nights.

Help us to see your love clearly this day

and help us to see those who need your love

help us to not shy away from mountains or alleys

so that your love might be visible in all life. Amen.