Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
Jesus wants to reveal his glory to us this morning. He wants to shine his light upon us and to have us bask in his radiance. Our problem is that we have convinced ourselves that we're too mature for this. We think we don't need to look to consolations and visions of glory in order to make it through difficult times. But this glory is exactly the context we need to have when we experience suffering. Just as Peter, James, and John have this to help them through seeing Jesus on the cross so too do we need to know his glory for strength in our own difficult times.
If anyone wouldn't need consolations it would seem to be Mary. Yet it is precisely from her that we learn to treasure these things in our hearts. The fact of the matter is that God gives all of us such visions at one time or another. We're usually just too distracted to retain them.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.
When God is revealing himself we need to do less while being more present. It isn't about what we're doing. It's about what God is doing in our midst. If we give God room to reveal himself our faith is strengthened and we gain endurance and certainty in the midst of the storms and trials of life.
We did not follow cleverly devised myths
when we made known to you
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.
We become compelling witnesses to others because, finally, we have witnessed ourselves what we want to proclaim. This isn't just a nice optional experience for those who are more prone to feelings and emotions. This is the relationship that must be at the center of our lives.
You will do well to be attentive to it,
as to a lamp shining in a dark place,
until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
The Son of Man is glorified by the Ancient One today. Let us behold the glory he wants to reveal to us. Only from that place atop Mount Tabor are we truly ready to hear and act on the words, "Listen to him."
Because you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth,
exalted far above all gods.
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