Word to the Wise
Friday, August 6, 2010 - The Transfiguration of the Lord
[Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Luke 9:28b-36]Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up a mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in apearance and his clothing became dazzling white........
No matter how close we may be in relationship to a person, there is always more to learn about them. At particular moments there may be major revelations about how one feels about life, love, suffering, or the relationship itself. Although this may seem to be a matter of secrecy on the part of the one revealing, the setting may be an indicator that the revelation is truly important and should not be revealed in some casual way as a kind of "Oh, by the way - just so you'll know...." manner. The signs are all there. Jesus takes only three of the disciples - three to whom he was close. He takes them up on a mountain, which is the traditional location for revelations in the Bible. He invites them to an occasion of prayer, during which this revelation takes place. We give it the title, "Transfiguration." Yet, the revelation itself, in content, is the same as at his baptism in the Jordan by John. "This is my chosen Son; listen to him." This occasion is more awesome as the disciples begin to realize that Jesus is more than he has seemed to them. Despite the setting and mysterious and awesome quality of this event, about which those disciples remained silent for a long time, the message is simple. We are told that Jesus is the chosen Son of God and that we should listen to him! Furthermore, we may participate in this revelation just as Peter, John and James did. That should be awesome enough. It can transform our lives, too! We need not be silent about it. AMEN