Transformation in Everyday Life
Transfiguration
We have come to the last Sunday before Lent and the celebration of the transfiguration. This weeks Gospel reading contains what first appears to be two very different stories. I will comment on each and then explain why I feel it is extremely important that they are understood together. In Lukes account the transfiguration takes place 8 days after the powerful teachings about blessings, woes, and loving your enemies. This is significant in the Christian tradition. The 8th day is linked with the days of worship, the resurrection, new creation, and deliverance. The physical setting uses images from exodus 24, Jesus is on a mountain when he is transformed and the mention of Jesus’ own exodus (departure) is heard in the discussion. The transfiguration also takes place during the festival of tabernacle's or booths.
The festival of Booths (Sukkot) was traditionally a harvest festival but also took on religious significance commemorating the exile and the Israeli dependence on God. During the Sukkot it is traditional for families to eat their meals and sleep inside small constructed booths (sukkah). It is significant that this was taking place during the time of the Transfiguration. When Peter offered to make three dwellings for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, he was likely offering to make Sukkah for the festival. Once Peter had made this offer however, a cloud overshadowed them. From this cloud came a voice claiming Jesus as the chosen and the command to listen to him. This command is reminiscent of the dependance on God that the Sukkot represents. The vision of a dazzling white Jesus accompanied by Moses and Elijah shows that the Law and the Prophets are fulfilled in Christ. We are told that the conversation between these divine characters was focused on Jesus’ departure that was about to be accomplished in Jerusalem. Christs Glory communicates the great sacrifice he is about to make. This transfiguration did not happen alone but in conversation and community with both divine and human companions. Peter, James, and John were silent in the face of this awe inspiring situation. Their silence in this narrative gives off a sense of worship and wonder.
After this incredible transformation, Jesus and his followers return from the mountain the following day and are immediately met by a father begging for his son to be exorcised. This is a dramatic scene in which the disciples are not able to cast out the demon. This scene is communicating that although the disciples have seen the nature of Christ they still do not fully understand. Jesus’ answer is very direct but he heals the boy, offers him back to his father, and everyone is astounded.
The reason these scenarios should be read together is that they communicate something very important about our spiritual life. The Transfiguration is a worshipful scene filled with awe, silence, clarity, mystery, and an eagerness to dwell with God. Peter, James, and John were given a glimpse of the new creation and it is no wonder that they wished to remain in this Holy presence. This request was not fulfilled, instead they were invited into mystery to follow the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in the person of Jesus. When faced with the glorious and miraculous they were invited back into the mystery of God and commanded to listen to the call of Christ.
This worshipful scene is followed directly with a descent back to the world as they knew it, the realities that had been all around them before ascending the mountain with Jesus.
When we come together to worship, we stand before God in awe and wonder and we ourselves are transformed. In the singing of hymns, breaking of bread, and offering of ourselves we see Christ in a new light and welcome a deeper understanding of him into our hearts. (un)fortunately we cannot stop at this point. Just as we have ascended the mount of worship together each Sunday we are led back into the world, into our everyday lives. The spiritual life is about following the call of Christ and offering this in all we do. Sometimes we will fulfill this duty and other times we will fall short. If we can reflect on the nature of God as a relationship, we begin to understand that our spiritual transformation is interdependent on all of God’s creation. This is freeing for all of us. Our Worship is a time for spiritual nourishment, yes, but it is also a reminder and call to action in the world.
My the call of Gods mystery and the compassion of Christ example ever lead us on.
Rev Claye Middleton