Every 2nd Sunday of Lent, the Church gives us the chance to hear an account of Jesus’ Transfiguration.
All of the LAW (represented by Moses) and all of the PROPHETS (represented by Elijah) anticipate God’s ultimate intervention into the human story.
Jesus’ transfiguration is the dramatic moment where He is seen as embodying the LAW and fulfilling the Prophets. Peter, James and John are first-hand witnesses to God’s ultimate intervention into the human story.
However, the disciples want to interrupt God’s intervention, to freeze it, to preserve it just for them as they themselves experience it.
Peter suggests that tents be set up – why? In order for God’s ultimate intervention to be stopped right there atop the mountain. The disciples want to possess the moment, not announce Jesus as the Messiah and lead others to Him.
No sooner is the suggestion made, then a voice form the clouds affirms Jesus is the MESSIAH and beloved SON OF GOD. But God’s ultimate intervention into the human story does not end with Transfiguration.
Intentional disciples – mature Christians – must do what? They must listen to the voice from heaven, which instructs them – and us – to listen to Jesus; that is to listen to all Jesus says and does. Christian standard for daily living is not set by our feelings and desires, but by what our Lord, Savior, Messiah and King says and does.
There is so much more to the experience than what the disciples experienced on the mountain.
Friends, there is no place and no time for intentional disciples to set up tents, to stay stuck in a moment, however pleasant and true. God allows wonderful moments to come our way not for our entertainment, but to encourage us along our way.
The miraculous transfiguration disappears and the disciples raise their eyes and what do they see. Jesus alone.
God gives blessings to encourage us in our weakness. Jesus alone. Only Jesus.
