Matthew 17:1-9
Transfiguracion del Divino Salvador del Mundo at Catedral Metropolitana del Divino Salvador del Mundo
The transfiguration scripture is a strange one indeed. Jesus takes Peter and James on a hike up a mountain by themselves. On the hike, he suddenly starts shining, like glowing from the inside out... and his clothes became dazzling white. And then Peter and James saw Moses and Elijah standing with him there. Peter, overcome, says they should build three shines to the three prophets. And then God speaks, saying, just as he did when Jesus was baptized by John, "This is my Son... with him I am well pleased." and "Listen to him."
This whole weird surreal encounter certainly scares the heck out of Peter and James and they fall to the ground.
Jesus encourages them not to be afraid. As soon as he says that, and they look up, they see no one except Jesus.
Then they go down the mountain.
Crazy set of circumstances. What exactly happened here? We don't really know. But we do know that as they are alone with Jesus on the hike they are introduced in a profound way to the lineage of the faith tradition. They see the connection between Moses and Elijah and Jesus and they understand, though frightened, that this is a lineage that is powerful and filled with strength and light.
And this mountain hike happens just after Jesus has told them in Chapter 16 that whoever wants to be his disciple must "Take up their cross and follow him." He tells them in 16 that they will need to embrace suffering because being his disciple is not an easy path.
This is some kind of 'diet' to feed his fellow trail mates. A trail mix of epic proportions. Hard to swallow, in fact. Tell them that following him is akin to suffering. Then taking them up the mountain and giving them this crazy weird experience where he glows and Moses and Elijah appeared.
What does this experience mean to Peter and James? Why are they exposed to a glow from Jesus and the vision of Moses and Elijah? Is it to show them that they aren't just following anybody? To convince them that he is worth 'taking up their crosses' for because he is part of a greater lineage of prophets who have a path worth following? Is it to share with them the echoes of walking in the way of justice that both Moses and Elijah followed? No one really knows for sure, but we do know how Jesus told them to handle their fear of what is unfolding in front of their eyes. He told them to not be afraid.
Jesus leads them into the mountains. There they experience strange and frightful things. But Jesus says get up and fear not. From the beginning of his life to the end, Jesus always seemed to lead those around him into unpredictable circumstances out of their control and sometimes fraught with danger. But echoing all throughout this story is "Fear not."
The message for us, then, may be as simple as allowing the journey to unfold with courage and without fear. Follow the way of Christ, even to the top of the highest unexplored mountain, although you might feel more comfortable in the safety zone. And get up when anxiety and fear knocks you down. Feed yourself on the words "do not be afraid" and keep on walking the trail.
What does this bizarre story say to you? Email me at peverhart@niwotumc.org or click Comments below and leave a message there.
This whole weird surreal encounter certainly scares the heck out of Peter and James and they fall to the ground.
Jesus encourages them not to be afraid. As soon as he says that, and they look up, they see no one except Jesus.
Then they go down the mountain.
Crazy set of circumstances. What exactly happened here? We don't really know. But we do know that as they are alone with Jesus on the hike they are introduced in a profound way to the lineage of the faith tradition. They see the connection between Moses and Elijah and Jesus and they understand, though frightened, that this is a lineage that is powerful and filled with strength and light.
And this mountain hike happens just after Jesus has told them in Chapter 16 that whoever wants to be his disciple must "Take up their cross and follow him." He tells them in 16 that they will need to embrace suffering because being his disciple is not an easy path.
This is some kind of 'diet' to feed his fellow trail mates. A trail mix of epic proportions. Hard to swallow, in fact. Tell them that following him is akin to suffering. Then taking them up the mountain and giving them this crazy weird experience where he glows and Moses and Elijah appeared.
What does this experience mean to Peter and James? Why are they exposed to a glow from Jesus and the vision of Moses and Elijah? Is it to show them that they aren't just following anybody? To convince them that he is worth 'taking up their crosses' for because he is part of a greater lineage of prophets who have a path worth following? Is it to share with them the echoes of walking in the way of justice that both Moses and Elijah followed? No one really knows for sure, but we do know how Jesus told them to handle their fear of what is unfolding in front of their eyes. He told them to not be afraid.
Jesus leads them into the mountains. There they experience strange and frightful things. But Jesus says get up and fear not. From the beginning of his life to the end, Jesus always seemed to lead those around him into unpredictable circumstances out of their control and sometimes fraught with danger. But echoing all throughout this story is "Fear not."
The message for us, then, may be as simple as allowing the journey to unfold with courage and without fear. Follow the way of Christ, even to the top of the highest unexplored mountain, although you might feel more comfortable in the safety zone. And get up when anxiety and fear knocks you down. Feed yourself on the words "do not be afraid" and keep on walking the trail.
What does this bizarre story say to you? Email me at peverhart@niwotumc.org or click Comments below and leave a message there.
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