When Glory

Post date: Feb 21, 2020 6:45:31 PM

Blessings of God’s peace and joy be with you!

And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ — Matthew 17. 2-4

This Sunday marks the Transfiguration of Jesus, the Sunday before we begin Lent on Ash Wednesday and journey with Jesus into the wilderness. The transfiguration is one of those many instances in the life of Jesus -- and in our own faith stories -- that we place in the category of mystery. It can’t be historically or scientifically verified, and many Biblical scholars are at a loss as to its meaning. However, we can say this — the transfiguration, mountaintop experience was a special time when the veil between heaven and earth was lifted, and where worlds met and collided in the person of Jesus. Not only was it a heaven and earth moving moment, Peter, James, and John got a brief glimpse into the glory of Jesus and his resurrection. Overcome by fear, however, they fell to the ground and covered their eyes. It was not until Jesus touched them that they looked up and heard Jesus say, “Do not be afraid.”

Do not be afraid when the glory comes and shines ‘round us.

Do not be afraid when we are fearful or uncertain.

Do not be afraid of our holy wilderness wanderings for the next forty days.

Do not be afraid when we must leave the glowing mountaintop because as Jan Richardson says, “This blessing is made for coming down the mountain . . . until the moment comes when it will reveal everything it knows, when it will shine forth with all it  has seen, when it will dazzle with the unforgettable light you have carried all this way.”

Come, and bring your light this Sunday at 10:30 AM. The New Jericho Choir will bring us the Word From the Children “Joy to You and Me,” and Beverly Bova Scarano will lead the Word With the Children, highlighting some of her learnings from the APCE Conference. Diane Grady and Linda Schueler will bless us with the anthem “Still, Be Still and Know” and the Offertory “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” I will be preaching from Exodus 24.12-18 and Matthew 17.1-9 and my sermon title is Dazzling Reign.

The glory of the Lord is full and bright and is around us every single day. It comes not to overwhelm us but to point us toward the grace, mercy, and love of God given to us in Christ Jesus. My prayer is “that when glory shows up, we will let ourselves be overcome not by fear but by the Love it bears” (Jan Richardson).

In gratitude for the privilege of being your Pastor and the holy call of loving you,

Pastor Trish