This week we celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus. This is the pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry. The work of abundance and light in Galilee is over. It is time for Jesus to go to Jerusalem where he knows he will be executed. He invites/warns his disciples that they must take up their cross in order to follow him. That is the journey of Lent we will begin next week.
Things are about to get very dark.
Jesus’ disciples needed a glimpse of hope—a glimpse of glory—in order to make it through this dark time. The Gospel of Matthew (as well as Mark and Luke) tell the story of how Jesus brought Peter, James, and John to the top of a mountain where Jesus stands with Moses and Elijah. Here the Law and the Prophets stand embodied next to Jesus. Once again, as it was at his baptism, the voice of God declares him to be God’s son, the beloved, the one to whom the disciples should listen.
The epistle reading (2 Peter 1:16-21) is especially helpful for me this week. Peter’s audience was suffering oppression. Times were dark for them, as they tend to be for the Gospel in oppressive political systems. Peter took his people back to the moment of Jesus’ transfiguration for another glimpse of hope.
May the light of Jesus’ transfiguration give us courage and hope through whatever dark times you may be experiencing this week.
Join us each day for Communal Spiritual Practice
Monday Text Study on Zoom
Tuesday Contemplative Practice in OCC Meditation Chapel and on Zoom
Wednesday Service of Holy Communion in the Chapel and on YouTube.
Rev. Dr. Rolf Jacobson, Dean of the Faculty, Professor of Old Testament and The Alvin N. Rogness Chair of Scripture, Theology, and Ministry, is preaching this week.