Jesus’ Ministry
March 2, 2019
Scripture Reading: Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
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
I called my Aunt Charlotte to tell her my father, her brother, had died. When she answered the phone and I identified myself, she said, “I have been sitting by my phone awaiting this call. I dreamed last night that Carl and I were children playing hide and seek and I could not find him. When I awoke this morning, I knew that he was dead.”
I do not know what happened on the mountain that morning at the event we now call the Transfiguration. Those present described it the best they could, I am sure. I have no doubt that something major did occur and we are able to glean great insight from their telling of it. I can promise you those present were no longer the same after this experience.
God’s acts in our lives are often recorded in hindsight. When we most need God’s presence, we may be so involved in an experience that we do not grasps God’s role in the moment even as we fervently pray for God’s presence. Trust is deepened with each recognition even in hindsight and thrust is what enables our work toward creating a world of shalom: well-being, peace, and love for all. Trust overcomes fear, which is one of the greatest impediments to shalom.
Prayer: Help us to internalize your words, “Fear not for I am with you.” Amen.