Our lives consist of ups and downs, joys and sorrows. Every day we have night and day, darkness and light. Today Jesus goes up and down a mountain, as he often did, to pray.
This Sunday we celebrate the Transfiguration (or transformation) of Jesus on top of a mountain during his prayer time. Jesus climbs up the mountain with Peter, James and John and an amazing thing happens at the top - his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. He meets with Moses and Elijah who also shine with glorious splendour and they discuss the forthcoming journey that Jesus will choose to follow leading to his crucifixion. A voice comes from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” Jesus is the fulfilment of the law of Moses and the prophets (represented by Elijah) by bringing a new commandment to love God and one another. God spoke through the prophets but now human Jesus lives amongst us to show us God’s way for us to live.
Peter wants to capture the moment by making shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. It could be that Sukkot, the Jewish Festival of Booths, had been taking place at this time. This is a 7 day festival when people live in shelters to remember the Exodus from Egypt. When the Israelites travelled for 40 years and the miraculous clouds gave protection from the sun. During this time whenever Moses spoke to God in the cloud his face shone with light!
In our first reading Daniel has a vision of the son of humanity coming in glory and light and a river of fire. Jesus often refers to himself as the son of man, expressing his humanity.
Our Psalm 97 for today speaks of an eternal fire going before him and lightening lights up the world cutting through clouds and thick darkness. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. The heavens proclaim his righteousness. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord. God is in the cloud and brings light into our dark situations.
In our second reading Peter gives an eyewitness account of the transfiguration. Peter, 8 days before, had recognised Jesus as God’s Messiah. Peter records God’s voice through the cloud ‘This is my son whom I love and am well pleased’. Jesus is a light shining in our dark places, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in our hearts. Peter experienced the mountain top wonder but also denied Jesus when the going got tough, yet Jesus chose him as the rock on which our church is built. Peter was transformed and changed to reflect God’s glory, as we can all be. How marvellous is that!
Jesus chooses to come down the mountain albeit with new courage and strength to face his impending journey to the cross.
He comes down to save us and redeem us. When we have our mountain top experiences, we too often come down to earth with a bump but renewed!
What about our transfiguration? When we make a commitment to Christ we are transformed. We become new creations. We can practice transfiguration by prayer, by reaching out to others with loving kindness, and by shining out our own unique God given qualities of light.
Yes, there is darkness in our world, but we know the light has overcome it. Let us live in the light of Christ who is the light of the world. Let us shine with dazzling light!
Angela Stewart, Lay Minister