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.” Matthew 17:1-9
This is Transfiguration Sunday when we read from the Gospel about a mountain top experience of Peter or Simon Bar Jonah, James and John, the "sons of thunder" who were the sons of Zebedee and Salome. These roughhewn fishermen were close with Jesus and were probably not comfortable in the high mountains. They were truly terrified, knocked out of their toughness. They witnessed the true nature of Jesus, the son of God, standing between Elijah and Moses, the true greats of Jewish tradition. They even heard the voice of the Creator, Jesus' father. Jesus spoke to them the often-repeated words, "do not be afraid." From this point on, Jesus would set his face to Jerusalem, to his death on the cross. Great evil was ahead. These days, we have every right to be afraid and yet Jesus reminds us to get up and not be afraid. To face the rough roads ahead with the power of the Spirit and the love of God within us.
Gracious Creator, you show yourself to us
in the beauty and mystery of your creation.
Precious Savior, reveal your brilliant love to us today.
You set us on high mountains and in deep waters
to help us to know the depth of your love for us.
Precious Savior, reveal your brilliant love to us today.
Lift us from our fears and worries these days
so we might bring your love to the rough streets.
Precious Savior, reveal your brilliant love to us today.
Give us your strength in this coming season
so we might shine your light in the darkness.
Precious Savior, reveal your brilliant love to us today.
Turn us from deep worry to high hopes again
so forgiveness and compassion might flourish.
Precious Savior, reveal your brilliant love to us today.
And make us instruments of love and peace
so we might sing songs of love in hard times.
Precious Savior, reveal your brilliant love to us today. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment