A Sermon for Transfiguration Sunday
February 22, 2009
by Pastor Laura Gentry
Mark 9:2-9
This morning, we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday. We hear Luke’s Gospel account of this amazing event in which Jesus takes Peter and James and John up the mountain with him and then is transfigured before their very eyes. His face changes and his clothes become dazzling white—whiter than anyone could bleach them. It sounds like we are talking about laundry in this translation. In the original Greek, however, this word is closer to “lightning.” Jesus clothes became so white they looked like lightning! That’s some pretty impressive pyrotechnics, now isn’t it?
Not only that, but the great Moses appears as does Elijah and the three of them begin to converse. Moses, who represents the law God gave to the people, and Elijah, who represents the prophets through whom God spoke and guided the people, appear from beyond the grave and talk with Jesus on the mountain top. No wonder the disciples are awed by the experience. The glory must have been completely overwhelming.
Though we hear this story every single year, I think it is hard for us to relate to. I mean we’ve never seen Jesus in person, let alone see him transfigured in all his glory. We get a sense of this scene being a spectacular, supernatural event of biblical times that is unfathomable to us in our modern world.
In this way, it is a difficult story to interpret. Peter doesn’t even seem to be able to interpret it correctly. With great enthusiasm (and not much insight), he says: "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Now obviously this was the wrong response because even the gospel writer of Mark adds a commentary here even though he’s usually so concise. He says that Peter didn’t know what to say because they were terrified. By his remark, you see, Peter is saying that he wants the glory to continue. He doesn’t want Jesus to stop glowing or for Moses and Elijah to go away so he thinks if they can just get some dwellings constructed quickly for them to hang out in, they might stick around a while longer. This moment might last.
In older translations, it calls these dwellings "booths." I always pictured them as phone booths when I was a kid and wondered why in the world Peter would want to stick Moses and Elijah—the great figures of the Old Testament—in phone booths. Who are they going to call? Or does Peter want them to use the booths to transform into their super-hero likenesses or something? Unfortunately, my interpretation was all off because these dwellings he's suggesting are not the phone booth type, they are shrines. He wants to build religious shrines where Jesus and the other two can stay and be worshipped—just like the pagan deities of their time.
But it seems God doesn’t much like that shrine plan because in that moment, a cloud covers them and God’s voice says:"This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" And then the transfiguration is over. No more bleachy-white lightning flashes and heros showing up from the dead to chat up Jesus. Nope. It’s gone. All is quiet. This was simply a glimpse of the glory of God.
In writing about this special event, Mark invites us to stand with Peter and James and John and encounter the lightning-laden glory of the transfiguration. Wow, Jesus really IS the son of God! Amazing! But Mark doesn’t want us to get fixated upon this event like Peter did, as if it were the only revelation of God’s glory that ever would be. No, Mark is showing us that in the transfiguration, Jesus pulls away the veil for just a moment reveals what our every day lives tend to hide: that we we are never far from the dazzling and miraculous glory of the eternal God.
This glory is too wonderful, too amazing to pin down. That’s why Peter couldn’t go through with his booth plan. You cannot turn the glory of God on and off like a faucet, as if it were something that humans control.
And this uncontrollable and marvelous glory didn’t end when John set down his pen after writing the final book of the bible. The incredible thing is that it is ongoing. Through the ages we’ve seen God’s glory continue. We’ve glimpsed glory in the survival and growth of the early Christian church. We’ve seen it in the saints and martyrs, who gave it all for the sake of the Gospel. We’ve seen it in the missionary zeal that continues to spread the good news around the globe.
We encounter this glory today whenever we see a breathtaking work of art or architecture or hear beautiful music or read a moving piece of literature. We experience God’s glory in nature. We see it in each glance at the mighty Mississippi that runs through our town. We see the glory of God in the gift of parents, children, friends, community.
God’s glory is all over the place and it is here to inspire us and fill us with awe. It is here to engage us and keep us steadfast in our faith. It calms us when we are filled with anxiety. It comforts us in our sorrows. It invigorates us to do God’s will.
God’s glory calls out to us in this very moment. How dare we think that the glory of the transfiguration was only for that ancient time and place? God’s glory is eager to set us free, to transform us into the image of God.
The transfiguration merely reminds that the veil that separates us from God’s revelation of glory is thin. This is what Paul is talking about in his letter to the Corinthians in our second lesson for today. In the chapter before, he talked about how Moses had to cover his face because it was still glowing from his encounter with God and how God’s people hardened their hearts and would not look upon the glory. And there are those who still veil their minds from God’s glory. But when we turn to God, the veil is removed. “And all of us,” he writes, “with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.” In the reading for today, he says that the gospel is only veiled to those who are perishing but to those with the eyes of faith to see it, it is the light of Christ which shines in our hearts. This is why we have hope, why we do not lose heart, why we can and must act with boldness!
This Wednesday, we celebrate Ash Wednesday, which launches us into the 40-day season of Lent. This is the season of repentance—of turning our hearts back to God and walking with Jesus to the cross as we await his resurrection at Easter.
Today as we observe Transfiguration Sunday, we are given a foretaste of the Easter celebration. And we are invited to contemplate the glory of God in our own lives. It’s there. But do we perceive it? What can we do to unveil our minds so that we can truly be present to the times when God shows up? How can we participate more fully in the Spirit’s work to transform us into that same image of the transfigured Christ—to move us forward from one degree of glory to another?
Let us pray: Loving Jesus, we thank you for the glimpse of glory given to us in the Transfiguration and for the reminder that the more we unveil our minds, the more your glorious love will shine into our hearts. Prepare us for the Lenten season, that as we draw nearer to you, we may be transformed from one degree of glory to another. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
© 2009 Laura Gentry
Showing posts with label Transfiguration Sunday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transfiguration Sunday. Show all posts
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sunday, February 3, 2008
WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS
A Sermon for the Transfiguration
February 3, 2008
Pastor Laura Gentry
Matthew 17:1-9
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.” (NRSV)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
These days when you go to an internet movie discussion site, you often see the label “Warning: Contains Spoilers.” This means that the description of the film will give away the ending. So if you are planning to see the film and you don’t want to know what happens, then by all means, don’t read on. But sometimes, you want spoilers.
I remember some years back, I went to see a movie in the theatre with my husband. When the movie got to a tense and uncertain juncture, many of our fellow moviegoers were sobbing and sniffling. We could hear wet noses all around. William turned to me to see if I was alright. I admit it: I can sniffle with the best of them over a good drama. But this time, I was just fine. I wasn’t even a tad misty, much to his surprise. You see, a friend had already told me the spoiler so I knew that everything was going to be okay in the end—even though the movie’s plot was looking rather bleak. I could even handle the protagonist’s suffering.
Now today’s Gospel lesson really ought to have the warning label: “Contains Spoilers!” Because it gives us a glimpse at the resurrection—the end of the Jesus drama. The Transfiguration iis what I would call a spoiler, a divine ‘sneak preview’ to those disciples considered part of Jesus’ inner circle.
We know this story well. Jesus takes Peter, James and John up the mountain then then his face becomes radiant and his clothes a dazzling white. The images of Moses and Elijah appear in their midst and begin speaking with Jesus. Peter speaks up and mentions how it is good for them to be there and suggests creating three dwellings for the men. Immediately a cloud overtakes the men, from, which they hear a voice that informs the disciples that Jesus is God’s son and that the disciples are to listen to him. Shrinking in fear, the disciples fall with their faces to the ground. Moments later, Jesus bids them rise and the images of Elijah and Moses are gone. From there the four men descend the mountain and Jesus bids them not to speak of this incident to anyone until he has ascended to heaven.
The disciples have just received a preview, but what type of preview is it? The Transfiguration is another incident in which Jesus is arrayed as the Messiah, the anointed, the one sent to fulfill God’s plan of redemption for the world. The image of Jesus in heavenly splendor, his face radiant with the power of God and his clothes a remarkable white are precursors to the day of his ascension when, indeed, he will reside in heavenly splendor surrounded by the host of heaven. The images of Moses and Elijah are equally significant. Moses was set apart to present God’s law to the children of Israel. Moses himself had a transfiguring moment on top of Mt. Sinai when he spoke to God and received the tablets containing God’s law for Israel. Moses appears at the transfiguration representing the law of God, the Law that Jesus fulfills perfectly. The prophet Elijah appears as the greatest of the prophets signifying that Jesus fulfills the prophecies regarding the one to come. While Jesus is talking to with Moses and Elijah, presumably about the way in which he will make his transition to heaven, Peter enters in with his own talk.
Peter makes a suggestion that three dwellings be made for them. It is a suggestion that is virtually ignored by Jesus, but Matthew does not tell us why. Biblical scholars suggest that the dwellings that Peter might be referring to would be those maintained by the pagan religions of the day. Booths, shrines if you prefer, were placed in various places in, and around, Judea where people could go to make offerings to a particular god. Peter did not know how else to react to what he was witnessing. He sees a radiant Jesus accompanied by Moses and Elijah and his only response is, “we have to make this pay somehow, we have to make this last.” The suggestion to build three dwellings is Peter’s attempt at sustaining the glory of the transfiguration, as if he could contain the majesty portrayed in these three characters so people could come and make offerings on the mountaintop at will. In making this suggestion Peter was reducing Jesus to a pagan deity, hence Peter was ignored.
What we receive next is the resounding voice, presumably the voice of God, declaring that Jesus is the beloved son and we should pay him the attention. This voice comes deliberately because the mountaintop experience these men have observed is not going to last. The glory of the transfiguration is a preview of the future glory that we will all enjoy on the day of resurrection, but until then we must come down from the mountain and enter into the valley of death in the season of Lent.
We are heading towards Lent, a time to go inward, to really reflect upon our mortal condition, to focus upon the stuff we are made of—Lent is a time to make a solemn progression towards the cross of Christ, our cross. However, we know how the story ends. We know it doesn’t end with the cross of shame and death. We’ve seen the radiance of Jesus’ face, we’ve heard the voice of God—we can deal with Lent because we’ve already read the spoiler. It is precisely this preview of the ascended Jesus that gives us the strength to make it through the cross and beyond.
God did not have to provide this instance of the Transfiguration. God could have chosen to send us straight towards the cross with out any inclination of what lies in store. Even in light of the transfiguration, even in light of the glory of Easter we still see those who are hesitant—so caught up with the cross that they are stymied, unable to move for fear of suffering and death. Jesus has revealed just enough for us to know that although the way of the cross will be difficult, it will in no way be the end, but rather a door that we all must pass through before we are met on the other side, by Jesus. Even Jesus had to come down from the mountain. Transfigured as he was, in conversation with Moses and Elijah, glorified by God… even he had to enter into the suffering that was required to fulfill God’s plan of salvation.
Lent may not be our favorite liturgical season. We may not like the austere nature of Lent. The pains of our human condition may be disagreeable to our chosen interests, but remember this: each one of us goes into Lent with a preview of the coming attraction. God has not forsaken us. God has provided a beacon that will illumine the way ahead of us. It is the one preview that we find ourselves excited to see. We like what it has to offer us. May we enter into the season of Lent following Jesus' example of prayer and obedience. May we be transfigured by our acts of repentance and drawn closer to God than we’ve been in the past. Amen
Now, may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
© 2008 Laura E. Gentry
February 3, 2008
Pastor Laura Gentry
Matthew 17:1-9
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.” (NRSV)
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
These days when you go to an internet movie discussion site, you often see the label “Warning: Contains Spoilers.” This means that the description of the film will give away the ending. So if you are planning to see the film and you don’t want to know what happens, then by all means, don’t read on. But sometimes, you want spoilers.
I remember some years back, I went to see a movie in the theatre with my husband. When the movie got to a tense and uncertain juncture, many of our fellow moviegoers were sobbing and sniffling. We could hear wet noses all around. William turned to me to see if I was alright. I admit it: I can sniffle with the best of them over a good drama. But this time, I was just fine. I wasn’t even a tad misty, much to his surprise. You see, a friend had already told me the spoiler so I knew that everything was going to be okay in the end—even though the movie’s plot was looking rather bleak. I could even handle the protagonist’s suffering.
Now today’s Gospel lesson really ought to have the warning label: “Contains Spoilers!” Because it gives us a glimpse at the resurrection—the end of the Jesus drama. The Transfiguration iis what I would call a spoiler, a divine ‘sneak preview’ to those disciples considered part of Jesus’ inner circle.
We know this story well. Jesus takes Peter, James and John up the mountain then then his face becomes radiant and his clothes a dazzling white. The images of Moses and Elijah appear in their midst and begin speaking with Jesus. Peter speaks up and mentions how it is good for them to be there and suggests creating three dwellings for the men. Immediately a cloud overtakes the men, from, which they hear a voice that informs the disciples that Jesus is God’s son and that the disciples are to listen to him. Shrinking in fear, the disciples fall with their faces to the ground. Moments later, Jesus bids them rise and the images of Elijah and Moses are gone. From there the four men descend the mountain and Jesus bids them not to speak of this incident to anyone until he has ascended to heaven.
The disciples have just received a preview, but what type of preview is it? The Transfiguration is another incident in which Jesus is arrayed as the Messiah, the anointed, the one sent to fulfill God’s plan of redemption for the world. The image of Jesus in heavenly splendor, his face radiant with the power of God and his clothes a remarkable white are precursors to the day of his ascension when, indeed, he will reside in heavenly splendor surrounded by the host of heaven. The images of Moses and Elijah are equally significant. Moses was set apart to present God’s law to the children of Israel. Moses himself had a transfiguring moment on top of Mt. Sinai when he spoke to God and received the tablets containing God’s law for Israel. Moses appears at the transfiguration representing the law of God, the Law that Jesus fulfills perfectly. The prophet Elijah appears as the greatest of the prophets signifying that Jesus fulfills the prophecies regarding the one to come. While Jesus is talking to with Moses and Elijah, presumably about the way in which he will make his transition to heaven, Peter enters in with his own talk.
Peter makes a suggestion that three dwellings be made for them. It is a suggestion that is virtually ignored by Jesus, but Matthew does not tell us why. Biblical scholars suggest that the dwellings that Peter might be referring to would be those maintained by the pagan religions of the day. Booths, shrines if you prefer, were placed in various places in, and around, Judea where people could go to make offerings to a particular god. Peter did not know how else to react to what he was witnessing. He sees a radiant Jesus accompanied by Moses and Elijah and his only response is, “we have to make this pay somehow, we have to make this last.” The suggestion to build three dwellings is Peter’s attempt at sustaining the glory of the transfiguration, as if he could contain the majesty portrayed in these three characters so people could come and make offerings on the mountaintop at will. In making this suggestion Peter was reducing Jesus to a pagan deity, hence Peter was ignored.
What we receive next is the resounding voice, presumably the voice of God, declaring that Jesus is the beloved son and we should pay him the attention. This voice comes deliberately because the mountaintop experience these men have observed is not going to last. The glory of the transfiguration is a preview of the future glory that we will all enjoy on the day of resurrection, but until then we must come down from the mountain and enter into the valley of death in the season of Lent.
We are heading towards Lent, a time to go inward, to really reflect upon our mortal condition, to focus upon the stuff we are made of—Lent is a time to make a solemn progression towards the cross of Christ, our cross. However, we know how the story ends. We know it doesn’t end with the cross of shame and death. We’ve seen the radiance of Jesus’ face, we’ve heard the voice of God—we can deal with Lent because we’ve already read the spoiler. It is precisely this preview of the ascended Jesus that gives us the strength to make it through the cross and beyond.
God did not have to provide this instance of the Transfiguration. God could have chosen to send us straight towards the cross with out any inclination of what lies in store. Even in light of the transfiguration, even in light of the glory of Easter we still see those who are hesitant—so caught up with the cross that they are stymied, unable to move for fear of suffering and death. Jesus has revealed just enough for us to know that although the way of the cross will be difficult, it will in no way be the end, but rather a door that we all must pass through before we are met on the other side, by Jesus. Even Jesus had to come down from the mountain. Transfigured as he was, in conversation with Moses and Elijah, glorified by God… even he had to enter into the suffering that was required to fulfill God’s plan of salvation.
Lent may not be our favorite liturgical season. We may not like the austere nature of Lent. The pains of our human condition may be disagreeable to our chosen interests, but remember this: each one of us goes into Lent with a preview of the coming attraction. God has not forsaken us. God has provided a beacon that will illumine the way ahead of us. It is the one preview that we find ourselves excited to see. We like what it has to offer us. May we enter into the season of Lent following Jesus' example of prayer and obedience. May we be transfigured by our acts of repentance and drawn closer to God than we’ve been in the past. Amen
Now, may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
© 2008 Laura E. Gentry
Sunday, February 18, 2007
ONE DEGREE OF GLORY TO ANOTHER
A Sermon for Transfiguration Sunday
February 18, 2007
by Pastor Laura Gentry
Luke 9:28-36
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. (New Revised Standard Version)
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. (New Revised Standard Version)
Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This morning, we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday. We hear Luke’s Gospel account of this amazing event in which Jesus takes Peter and James and John up the mountain with him and then is transfigured before their very eyes. His face changes and his clothes become dazzling white. In the original Greek, this word is closer to “lightning”. That’s some pretty impressive pyrotechnics, now isn’t it?
Not only that, but the great Moses appears as does Elijah and the three of them begin to converse. Moses, who represents the law God gave to the people, and Elijah, who represents the prophets through whom God spoke and guided the people, appear from beyond the grave and talk with Jesus on the mountain top. No wonder the disciples are awed by the experience. The glory must have been completely overwhelming.
Though we hear this story every single year, I think it is hard for us to relate to. I mean we’ve never seen Jesus in person, let alone see him transfigured in all his glory. We get a sense of this scene being a spectacular, supernatural event of Biblical times that is unfathomable to us in our modern world.
In this way, it become a difficult story to interpret. Peter doesn’t even seem to be able to interpret it correctly and he was an eyewitness. With great enthusiasm (and not too much insight), he blurts out: "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He wants the glory to keep on going. And why wouldn’t he? He doesn’t want Jesus to stop glowing or for Moses and Elijah to go away so he thinks if he can just get some booths constructed quickly for them to hang out in, if he can just get some contractors to throw them up, these two might stick around a while longer. This moment might last. But just that quickly, a cloud covers them and God’s voice says: "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" And then the transfiguration is over.
Luke has written the story in this way because, I believe, he is inviting us into the experience. He beckons us to stand with Peter and James and John and to encounter the lightning-laden glory of the transfiguration. But he doesn’t want us to get fixated upon this event like Peter did, as if it were the only revelation of God’s glory that ever would be. You see Luke is showing us that in the transfiguration, Jesus pulls away the veil for a moment and reveals what our every day lives tend to conceal: that we we are never far from the dazzling and miraculous glory of the everlasting God.
This glory is too wonderful, too omnipresent to pin down. That’s why Peter couldn’t go through with his booth plan. You cannot turn the glory of God on and off like a faucet, as if it were something we could control.
And this uncontrollable and marvelous glory didn’t end when John set down his pen after writing the final book of the Bible—it is ongoing. Through the ages we’ve seen God’s glory continue. We’ve seen glory in the survival and growth of the early Christian church. We’ve seen it in the saints and martyrs, who gave it all for the sake of the Gospel. We’ve seen it in the missionary zeal that spread the good news around the globe.
We encounter this glory today whenever we see a magnificent art work or architectural structure or hear beautiful music or read a moving piece of literature. We experience God’s glory in each glowing sunset, in each glance at the mighty Mississippi that runs through our town, in the dawn of each new day. We see the glory of God in the gift of parents, children, friends, community.
God’s glory is here to inspire us and fill us with awe. It is here to engage us and keep us steadfast in our faith. It invigorates us for doing God’s will. It calms us when we are filled with anxiety. It comforts us in our sorrows.
And the glory of our almighty God calls out to us in this very moment. How dare we think that the glory of the transfiguration was only for that time and place? This glory is the force of truth eagerly waiting to set us free, to transform us into the image of God.
The transfiguration merely reminds that the veil that separates us from God’s revelation of glory is wafer thin. This is what Paul is talking about in his letter to the Corinthians in our second lesson for today. He recalls the story from our first lesson about how Moses had to cover his face because it was still glowing from his encounter with God and how God’s people hardened their hearts to this glory. And there are those who still veil their minds from God’s glory. But when we turn to God, the veil is removed. “And all of us,” he writes, “with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.” This is why we have hope, why we do not lose heart, why we can act with boldness!
And so today as we contemplate Transfiguration Sunday, we are invited to contemplate the glory of God in our own lives. What can we do to unveil our minds so that we can truly be present to the times when God shows up? How can we participate more fully in the Spirit’s work to transform us into that same image of the transfigured Christ—to move us forward from one degree of glory to another? How can we live with deeper hope? These are exciting and glorious questions to explore. May we do so boldly.
Now may the peace of God which passes all understanding keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
© Laura E. Gentry 2007
February 18, 2007
by Pastor Laura Gentry
Luke 9:28-36
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. (New Revised Standard Version)
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside. But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside. Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. (New Revised Standard Version)
Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This morning, we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday. We hear Luke’s Gospel account of this amazing event in which Jesus takes Peter and James and John up the mountain with him and then is transfigured before their very eyes. His face changes and his clothes become dazzling white. In the original Greek, this word is closer to “lightning”. That’s some pretty impressive pyrotechnics, now isn’t it?
Not only that, but the great Moses appears as does Elijah and the three of them begin to converse. Moses, who represents the law God gave to the people, and Elijah, who represents the prophets through whom God spoke and guided the people, appear from beyond the grave and talk with Jesus on the mountain top. No wonder the disciples are awed by the experience. The glory must have been completely overwhelming.
Though we hear this story every single year, I think it is hard for us to relate to. I mean we’ve never seen Jesus in person, let alone see him transfigured in all his glory. We get a sense of this scene being a spectacular, supernatural event of Biblical times that is unfathomable to us in our modern world.
In this way, it become a difficult story to interpret. Peter doesn’t even seem to be able to interpret it correctly and he was an eyewitness. With great enthusiasm (and not too much insight), he blurts out: "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He wants the glory to keep on going. And why wouldn’t he? He doesn’t want Jesus to stop glowing or for Moses and Elijah to go away so he thinks if he can just get some booths constructed quickly for them to hang out in, if he can just get some contractors to throw them up, these two might stick around a while longer. This moment might last. But just that quickly, a cloud covers them and God’s voice says: "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" And then the transfiguration is over.
Luke has written the story in this way because, I believe, he is inviting us into the experience. He beckons us to stand with Peter and James and John and to encounter the lightning-laden glory of the transfiguration. But he doesn’t want us to get fixated upon this event like Peter did, as if it were the only revelation of God’s glory that ever would be. You see Luke is showing us that in the transfiguration, Jesus pulls away the veil for a moment and reveals what our every day lives tend to conceal: that we we are never far from the dazzling and miraculous glory of the everlasting God.
This glory is too wonderful, too omnipresent to pin down. That’s why Peter couldn’t go through with his booth plan. You cannot turn the glory of God on and off like a faucet, as if it were something we could control.
And this uncontrollable and marvelous glory didn’t end when John set down his pen after writing the final book of the Bible—it is ongoing. Through the ages we’ve seen God’s glory continue. We’ve seen glory in the survival and growth of the early Christian church. We’ve seen it in the saints and martyrs, who gave it all for the sake of the Gospel. We’ve seen it in the missionary zeal that spread the good news around the globe.
We encounter this glory today whenever we see a magnificent art work or architectural structure or hear beautiful music or read a moving piece of literature. We experience God’s glory in each glowing sunset, in each glance at the mighty Mississippi that runs through our town, in the dawn of each new day. We see the glory of God in the gift of parents, children, friends, community.
God’s glory is here to inspire us and fill us with awe. It is here to engage us and keep us steadfast in our faith. It invigorates us for doing God’s will. It calms us when we are filled with anxiety. It comforts us in our sorrows.
And the glory of our almighty God calls out to us in this very moment. How dare we think that the glory of the transfiguration was only for that time and place? This glory is the force of truth eagerly waiting to set us free, to transform us into the image of God.
The transfiguration merely reminds that the veil that separates us from God’s revelation of glory is wafer thin. This is what Paul is talking about in his letter to the Corinthians in our second lesson for today. He recalls the story from our first lesson about how Moses had to cover his face because it was still glowing from his encounter with God and how God’s people hardened their hearts to this glory. And there are those who still veil their minds from God’s glory. But when we turn to God, the veil is removed. “And all of us,” he writes, “with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.” This is why we have hope, why we do not lose heart, why we can act with boldness!
And so today as we contemplate Transfiguration Sunday, we are invited to contemplate the glory of God in our own lives. What can we do to unveil our minds so that we can truly be present to the times when God shows up? How can we participate more fully in the Spirit’s work to transform us into that same image of the transfigured Christ—to move us forward from one degree of glory to another? How can we live with deeper hope? These are exciting and glorious questions to explore. May we do so boldly.
Now may the peace of God which passes all understanding keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
© Laura E. Gentry 2007
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