In the last week before the Lenten journey starts, we move to the mountain-top to revisit the Transfiguration. This is another one of those stories which we know so well, we can easily slip into ‘same old, same old’ thinking. But, there are some wonderful gems in the Matthew narrative, especially when linked with the other readings, that can be teased out this week. I particularly like, and have developed in these resources, the focus on God’s affirmation – of Christ, of God’s called ones, and of us as followers of Christ. Flowing from this, inevitably, is the call for us to be “affirmers” in the same way as God is revealed to be in this story.

If I may, I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you about the new Lent resource that I’ve developed at Sacredise. It’s called Dancing With The Light and it seeks to make Lent more than just a season on the church calendar, but an extraordinary journey in worship that leads us into deep encounter with God. In this resource I offer a thematic journey through Lent, based on the Gospel readings from the Lectionary, far more in-depth exegesis and application than you find here, theme-linked prayers, liturgies, orders of service, hymn suggestions (for traditional and contemporary worship) and graphics. Click here to learn more, or to download the whole Ash Wednesday resource free.

May we allow our worship to lead us into the ministry of affirmation, even as we receive God’s affirmation ourselves.

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As Epiphany draws to a close the Scriptures turn, as usual, to the Transfiguration of Jesus. There are so many ways to approach this mysterious and wondrous narrative, but I would like to focus on the power of the transfiguration to give Jesus the hope and courage to face the cross, and to draw us into our own personal and communal transfiguration as we seek to follow Jesus. True transformation is never easy, but the alternatives – quick fixes and easy answers – are ultimately even more painful and damaging.

May you discover a new vision of Christ as you prepare, and as you worship, this week.

READINGS:
Exodus 34:29-35: After bringing the tablets of the law down the mountain, Moses’ face shines. And every time after speaking with God in the Tent of Meeting, he addresses the people with a shining face, after which he covers his face with a veil.

Psalm 99: A psalm of praise for God’s holiness and glory, for God’s love of justice, and for God’s guidance and discipline of God’s people.

2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2: In Christ believer’s hearts are unveiled to receive the truth, and we are able to reflect God’s glory, being change to be more and more like Christ.

Luke 9:28-36 (37-43): Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain where his face is transfigured, his clothes shine white, and the disciples, who had fallen asleep, wake up to find Jesus speaking with Moses and Elijah.

REFLECTIONS ON THEME:
There are two main facets to the Scriptures this week. The most obvious one is that of Jesus’ own transfiguration, which reveals his glory as Messiah, but which also points to the cross – the ultimate glory of Christ. The truth of what the Messianic age means – the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, and the establishment of God’s reign among people – is reflected and proclaimed here. The second facet is the transformation of those who encounter God – Moses, Jesus, and then those who believe in Christ. The week then, is a celebration of Christ’s transfiguration, but also of ours. And like Christ, our true transformation comes by embracing the way of the cross.

CONNECTING WITH LIFE:
GLOBAL APPLICATION: There are many voices in western culture that promise quick and easy transformation. Yet as our systems strain under increasing complexity, the transformation we need will require a slow, thorough and sacrificial process. For this we need a hope adequate to the task. In the transfiguration we have this hope – the hope of a clear vision of God – glorious, but also present and accessible. We also have the hope of the glory to which God calls us, and which, by God’s Spirit we can achieve. With this hope in our hearts, the challenges of poverty & economic breakdown, of climate change and creation care, of conflict and disease, can be embraced with courage, and with a commitment to the hard, system-changing changes that must be made.

LOCAL APPLICATION: In every life and in every community we face challenges and struggles that threaten to overwhelm us. Sometimes our response is that of the disciples – to fall asleep, or to check out of life in order to avoid the pain. The transfiguration is a call, though. First, we are invited to encounter God anew, and be filled with hope and courage as we meditate on the glory of the incarnate Christ. Second we are invited to open ourselves to our own transfiguration – to be transformed and to begin to reflect God’s glory ourselves. Of course, as with Christ, embracing God’s glory is also embracing the cross – the suffering of staying awake, and meeting our challenges head on. As we encounter the transfigured Christ again this week, may we refuse the false comfort of quick fixes, and set our minds toward the tough journey of real transformation – in our relationships, our finances, our health, our community’s upliftment, and the trajectories of our nation and our world.

RESOURCES FOR WORSHIP:
Prayers:
The One We Worship
Whole-y God
Tough Transformation

Hymn Suggestions:
O Jesus I Have Promised
Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation
I Know Whom I Have Believed
The Mountain
Lord, Reign In Me (Link to YouTube video)
We Bow Down Before You (Link to Sacredise music page – scroll down for links to mp3 & chord chart)
Above All (Link to YouTube video)
How Great Is Our God (Link to YouTube video)

Liturgy:
A Liturgy for the Sacrament

Video Suggestions:
Transfiguration (The Work Of The People)
Transfiguration (SermonSpice – a historical view of the transfiguration event)

Image Suggestion:
Skylight