Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Do you ever get stuck in a rut where you can’t shake your focus from the stress of current situations, busyness of work, challenges in relationships? Sometimes, without knowing it or even being aware of it, we get locked in our own little world or particular situation. We lose sight of the fact that we are part of a much bigger world. Each of us carries a lot on our minds and our hearts; we each bear crosses regularly in big and small ways.
Today as a church, we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Peter, James, and John are given a tiny glimpse of the wonder and glory of God. Jesus took them up a high mountain and was transfigured before them. He became dazzling white and radiant with glory. They witness the magnificence of Jesus, the Messiah. I can only imagine the beauty and splendor of this experience. But why is this important? As I have learned about the transfiguration over the years, it’s noted that this experience happens before the crucifixion. The pain and suffering of the cross, while very real and significant, is overcome by the glory of the Lord in the resurrection.
The Transfiguration gives us a brief and fleeting glimpse of Jesus in all his glory. It is a taste of what is to come. We should be encouraged, yet challenged by it. Our lives are far more than what we see, hear, and experience every day. It is not just a matter of getting through the day. Being a disciple is about living with purpose and hope. The transfiguration not only offers us a glimpse of Jesus in all his glory, it is an indication of the fullness of the Kingdom.
We may never witness anything as powerful as the Transfiguration. But every day in countless and seemingly small ways, God is present in our daily lives. We experience God’s glory in moments of peace, joy, love, compassion, reconciliation, forgiveness; God is with us. Every time that we reach out to help another person is a moment of transfiguration both for ourselves and for them. Let us open our hearts so that we may be transformed by the glory and the goodness of God. Rather than getting locked in our own challenges and crosses, may we pause and look for opportunities and moments of transfiguration in our lives.
Blessings,
Brandon Meyer