Transformation

We come to the end of the season of Epiphany, the time we think about the revelation of Jesus – his baptism in the Jordan by John, the calling of the disciples, the sermon on the mount with its radical teaching on forgiveness, love, grace, sharing resources and paying back anger and violence with love.

And next week, we move toward Lent, the journey with Jesus to the cross.

This reading in Matthew, comes much later in the journey of Jesus – he is walking to the cross. And there is a sense of urgency that the disciples are ready for what is about to happen.

There have been healings and the feeding of the multitude, Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, then Jesus foretells his death and resurrection, then the passage we heard read this morning. A few more chapters and we have the entry into Jerusalem that we call Palm Sunday.

Mountains have a special place in many religions. in the Scriptures, whenever we read of a Mountain, it is like a flashing neon light – take note, take note.

Here are some other stories in the Bible that include mountains – Moses and the burning bush, Moses and the ten commandments; Moses looking out over the promised land; Elijah defeating the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel [1 Kings 18:13]; Elijah and the still small voice; Jesus and the woman at the well discuss which mountain to worship God on; the sermon on the mount that we have been reading the past few weeks; and many more. Mountains mean something important is happening.

We still talk about a mountain top experience, meaning something wonderful or amazing has happened; something life changing; something remarkable and out of the ordinary.

That the transfiguration happened on a mountain is not surprising.

While Jesus, Peter, James and John were on the mountain, the voice from heaven said “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!”. Earlier, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordon, we also are told of a voice speaking from heaven, this time speaking to Jesus, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."

Now, about to turn his face to Jerusalem, about to walk toward death, again we are reminded of who Jesus is.

As we set out on our Lenten journey, as we sit with Jesus in the wilderness, as we hear from Matthew about the events leading to the garden and arrest and trial …., what do we need to hold onto.

In our struggles, in the joys and struggles of life, what do we hold onto?

It was not unusual for Jesus to go away on his own, or with some, or all, of the disciples. Time to pray, to teach, to rest.

Gospel reading:

Six days later Jesus took Peter and the brothers James and John with him. They went up on a very high mountain where they could be alone. There in front of the disciples, Jesus was completely changed. His face was shining like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.

As we ponder what this image, please stay seated as we sing together

The Mountain

(inspired by Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-9, Luke 9:28-36)

Suggested tune: LONDONDERRY AIR

How bitter-sweet to be here on this mountain,
high up above the troubles of this world;
to leave behind the clamour of the needy crowd;
to be at last alone with our dear Lord!
And God's true light expunges every shadow -
there is no doubt up here in this high place -
we see the glory of our God in Jesus;
see now that holy, holy light upon His face.

We long to stay up here upon this mountain;
How good it is to be here with our Lord.
To bask here in the light of God's great beauty,
kneel at His feet and soak up every word.
O, hear His call: "Come, gather all my faithful!"
Come, let His word shine in your hearts unveiled.
Oh! to go now to heaven like Elijah!
Oh that this holy, holy vision would not pale!

How bitter-sweet to be here on this mountain,
for well we know the valley waits below;
Our fellow trav'lers wait for news from mountain tops,
to share with us the joy that we now know.
They need to know that Jesus is the Saviour,
He is the light that shines for all the world.
and we will serve Him in the darkest valley
We will proclaim, proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord!

—words written by Brenton Prigge © 2006 New Hymn CCLI # 4674104.  He writes,“CCLI license holders may freely use and reproduce these lyrics, provided thatCCLI copyright protocol is followed.” Visit Brenton’s New Hymn website for many other good new hymn texts.  

….

As amazing as this image is, of Jesus shining like sun, with dazzling white clothes, it is an image of a Jesus that many people hold dear.  Jesus in his glory. Yet most of the time Jesus did not have dazzling clothes or a shining face; most of what we hear of Jesus is about travelling with disciples, healing people, including outcasts, teaching, feeding people.

As with many events recorded in the Bible it all sounds a bit strange to our modern ears. But many of you will have had an experience that has taken you to a different place, a time when you were aware of God speaking with you, guiding you in a time of trouble, comforting you in a time of distress. And this passage helps us see those events as part of a larger story. This passage can also help us to remember that these events don’t happen very often, and they happen in God’s timing not in ours.

It is in these moments that we are profoundly changed.

It is in these moments that we are transformed.

Sometimes other people will notice,

sometimes only you will be aware of the calmness in the face of crisis,

of the certainty in a time of fear.

The disciples missed the point.

When we are aware of God with us,

it isn’t time to build a shelter,

it is time to rest in God’s presence,

to listen,

to let the moment infuse our life,

to let the moment change us,

to be transfigured.

Common Epiphanies

~ written by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Listening to the Stones.http://newkilpatrickblog.typepad.com/nk-blogging/mucky-paws/