Sunday, February 19, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
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)

Reflection

Do you believe this really happened? Do you think that up on a mountaintop, Jesus’ face shone like the sun and his clothes turned dazzling white? Did the holy historic figures of Elijah, the prophet and Moses, the stuttering leader and Pharoah challenger, showed up on that mountain? And what about the terrified witnesses, Peter, James, and John? Freaked out might be a mild description. And they were stunned and terrified by this moment. But why? Peter, James, and John, like you and me, probably assumed that they were following a great wonder worker—a pastoral presence, a great preacher, a genius teacher, an inspiring leader. But what we/they were not ready for was this revelation on the mountaintop. This mystical moment of unexpected radiance.

And on the other hand, don’t we have glimpses of this often in our lives? What about that day the sunlight dazzled cresting waves and you were blinded by a radiance that left you speechless? Or what about a time when you were feeling down for no good reason and a friend texted you out of the blue with a funny emoji? Or how about that offertory anthem with radiant beauty that tears leapt to your eyes? Aren’t these windows to the soul, to the radiance on a mountaintop, to the very glory of God? Mystical moments. No, they may not be transfiguration moments like the one on the mountaintop. That is a Jesus/God moment. Indeed, the humongous bundle of light-year energy that radiated from this God incarnate One is unique. It is undeniably mystical. But those hallowed glimpses of the power of God-light in our world, I suspect, show up more often than we might admit.

We go to the mountaintop with Jesus and then we plunge into Lent. Up and down. Over and above. The radiance illumines that path both ways. We wait for the full glory to come, and it is not far from us this very day!

Prayer
In the days of our lives, bring us to you, O God, with mystery and majesty. Steer our lives with love and startle us with life abundant. Amen.

Written by Lucy Forster-Smith, Senior Associate Pastor

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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