Strange meeting

Six days later Jesus took with him Peter and the brothers James and John and led them up a high mountain where they were alone. As they looked on, a change came over Jesus: his face was shining like the sun, and his clothes were dazzling white. Then the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. So Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, ‘Lord, how good it is that we are here! If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’         (verses 1-4)

Read Matthew 17:1-13

The transfiguration of Jesus is a bizarre happening. Set in the midst of confrontations with his enemies and people being healed, it presents a remarkable picture. Coming together in one scene we have those Old Testament major players, Moses and Elijah, three leading apostles of the New Testament church and, in the middle, Jesus. He brings them all together as the fulfilment of all that is proclaimed in the law and the prophets and as the central message of the gospels. Shining down on it all is the light of divine revelation.

Contrasted with the transcendent glory of the divine elements in the story is the very human depiction of the three disciples, overcome with amazement, ineptly searching for a suitable reaction, missing half the show.

The Christian church has always been the place where the divine and the human meet. Here, again and again, God’s amazing commitment to mere humankind is demonstrated.

Dear Lord, I can only guess at your great glory, and can only marvel that you care for me, as you have shown through the gift of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

by Richard Hauser, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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