The artwork is by Sarah Boys, a Canadian artist, who describes her art this way:
Our earth dwells in a turbulent and fabulous universe. My attempt is to evoke a sense of awe and wonder in the viewer. Not to remove them from reality, but to peel back the layers of habitual sight that cloud our perceptions and portray a powerful universe unfolding itself before us. – sarahboys.com
As you reflect on the image of Transfiguration, take a moment to approach our study with prayer:
Come to us, O God, for you are living mystery in our lives. Your glory and your power energize us, your light and your love warms our hearts. May we know the power of transformation that you demonstrated to Jesus’ friends, and share with others in a new chapter of your story. Amen
Transfiguration Sunday is the ending of “ordinary time”, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. It's special colours are white and gold, to celebrate “holiness”. Transfiguration means tranformation.
The readings build on Epiphany theme of increasing God's light, discipleship, and being called to do God's work in the world. In the Transfiguration stories of the gospels Jesus’ inner or true light is completely revealed - it is the culmination of this season’s teaching that Jesus is unlike other leaders, but marked with the very holiness of God.
Today’s scripture readings are testimonies of times that people have “glimpsed” God’s holiness…
Read Exodus 24:12-18
When we looked at Leviticus a few weeks ago, we had a sense of “the “Law” central in the Torah. This is one of narratives that makes a transition between 2 sections of the Law. It was likely written down, and edited into the covenant history during the post-exilic period (ie. Moses goes up the mountain several times, without reference to ever coming down!) The editor's intention is that the Law comes from God and is holy.
In verse 12 use of the verb “come up” alah in Hebrew, which is rarely used in Exodus, primarily for Moses in connection with his ascents up the mountain. The actual location is disputed – there are 2 possible mountains in the Sinai, one south, one north. Mountains in general symbolized being closer to God, they were hard to get to, and once above, one could view the bigger picture, put things in perspective. God's words “and I will give you tablets of stone” Moses' invisible encounter leads to a visible sign of the Law.
The journey happens in stages, gradually leaving people behind, until there is only Moses. In verse 15 the glory of God is visible, but shrouded in cloud. Numerology appears in verse 16 6 days signifies creation, then God’s call comes on the 7th day, the Sabbath, when all things are fulfilled with God's holy touch. In verse 18 Moses stays for 40 days, symbolizing a really long time. This is a significant event – it becomes the foundation of faith and identity for the Israelites, where law and holiness are married together.
Question for Reflection:
We tend to detach “law” from spiritual experience, or even see it as the opposite, because of the apostle Paul’s teachings later on. How can we keep spiritual practice and spiritual experience in balance?
READ Matthew 17:1-9
In verse 1, again Matthew uses some numerology “six days later” (Luke says eight days.) This might reflects the rhythm of six days/then Sabbath in the whole passage: There is a “highpoint” in Matthew 16:13-27 when Jesus confirms that he is the Messiah and foretells his death and resurrection. Then there are six days of ordinary time, then another “highpoint” in the Transfiguration.
In verse 2 we find parallels with Exodus: For Matthew, Jesus fulfills what Moses began. Moses and Elijah both encountered God on a mountain, and they represent the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) being fulilled, which was the apocalyptic hope of the First century.
What was Peter trying to do in verse 4? “Booths” were what Jews built for the holy day Purim, the Feast of the Tabernacle, leaving their houses and dwelling in alternate space - a very public celebration of their salvation.
The cloud reflects the experience of Moses in Exodus, the voice echoes the still small voice that Elijah heard on the mountain. Only in Matthew does the voice says « with him I am well-pleased » it echoes the baptism at the beginning of Jesus' ministry.
The disciples fell to the ground, they were fearful of God’s presence, filled with a sense of unworthiness. Matthew is only gospel that says Jesus “touched them”, their physical reality was restored by it. Also, Matthew is only gospel where Jesus instructs them to keep it silent “until...”
Question for Reflection:
A quote from Maryetta Madeleine Anscutz “while there is nothing (the disciples) can do to save themselves from suffering, there is also no way they can shield themselves from the light of God that sheds hope in their darkest moments... So get up and do not be afraid.” Can you relate to this from your own life experience?
READ 2 Peter 1:16-21
This passage may not have been written by Peter (language, philosophy typical of later time frame), but records what was likely oral witness, possibly by the apostle himself – it certainly came out of the community that followed Peter. Trying to provide “orthodox” teaching in midst of many branches. Opponents criticized Christ’s role in creation and last days, limited his time to Jesus’ historic ministry. Epicurean philosophy denied life after death, divine judgement, prophecy, etc. The passage is not meant to convert Epicureans, but keep Christians.
This is Peter’s eyewitness testimony to the “glory” of Jesus, as evidence of his divinity and the truth that he would reappear at the time of judgement. It also contains his defence of prophecy as revealing God’s purpose. Second Peter is trying to maintain a balanced image of Christ in the face of extremes.
Question for Reflection:
A small glimmer of lamp light could hold out until dawn, when true light prevails: this is the theme of Second Peter. What glimpses of glory encourage you in faith?
Closing:
Let us pray:
In a world that is closed in, where we focus on only our own, seeing our own needs
May we be a community that is open, looking outwards, seeing beyond ourselves.
In a world where the few hold so much power, where food and opportunity is unfairly divided
May we be a community that shares, recognizing each other’s needs, and sharing each problem together.
In a world where conflict is the chosen way, and might feeds every prejudice
May we be a community that lives in peace, where differences are celebrated, and variety brings wholeness, May this be a holy transformation, Amen
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment