Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Sunday we will have the rare opportunity of celebrating the Feast of the Transfiguration on the very day, instead of transferring it from another day of the week. This is the day when we see Christ as he REALLY is. More than when we see the wise teacher, the merciful healer, the brilliant preacher, the inspired leader, the one who is willing to give his life for those he loves, or the one who is Resurrected. On Transfiguration, we see Christ in all his glory, in his power, and in his eternal radiance. It is my personal favorite of all the holidays celebrating Jesus’ time among us.
Which brings me to something that just occurred to me this year. In his momentary step into his heavenly self, shining through his human self, he chooses to appear with two humans accompanying him. It’s not important just because they are two of the major prophets from the Hebrew Bible. It’s critical because it emphasizes the fact that even humans are to be admitted into the heavenly glory. Luke 9:31 specifically says “they appeared in glory”—not just standing outside it and looking on, as they disciples were.
It wasn’t just an accident that Jesus was transfigured in his followers’ presence. It was meant to send a message to them—and to us all. It’s not only that eternal life in Christ’s presence is our destination, we are meant to be sharers in the glory. As we’re sitting at the desk, churning out emails; as we are chasing helter-skelter after the kids and grandkids; as we’re driving to the grocery store or vacuuming; WE are intended to be glorious. Note that Jesus was radiant only for a short time. After that, he returned to his normal earthly life of teaching the disciples.
The Feast of the Transfiguration is a message of hope to us and a reminder to take time from all the busyness to sink into Jesus’ radiance and let him share it with us.
JOY!
Mo. Laura+
Announcements
- Many of us are shopping for back-to-school. As you shop, please remember the needs of folks who are on the streets. Mack West says they always need sturdy adult backpacks, body wipes, 3-person tents, sleeping bags, and shaving cream.
- The front doors of the church are open! Now that the sidewalk is done, you may enter either way. But we still recommend using the office door, till the railings are installed. We are waiting for the borough to come and finish the street as well.