Roy’s Ramblings

This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday. The Transfiguration of Jesus is an event described in the New Testament where Jesus is transfigured and becomes radiant in glory upon a mountain. The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–13, Luke 9:28–36) recount the occasion, and the Second Epistle of Peter also refers to it.

In the gospel accounts, Jesus and three of his apostles, Peter, James, and John, go to a mountain (later referred to as the Mount of Transfiguration) to pray. On the mountaintop, Jesus begins to shine with bright rays of light. Then the Old Testament figures Moses and Elijah appear, and he speaks with them. Both figures had eschatological roles: they symbolize the Law and the prophets, respectively. Jesus is then called “Son” by the voice of God the Father, as in the Baptism of Jesus.

Many Christian traditions, including the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic Church, Lutheran and Anglican churches, commemorate the event in the Feast of the Transfiguration, a major festival. And in Greek Orthodoxy, the event is called the metamorphosis.

So what?? What does this mean to us? In this place and in this time? Well, for me it is the trifecta of the Old Testament Prophets meeting the Law Giver meeting the Redeemer and Forgiver of our Sins (translated by me to mean separation from God). And in this meeting, Jesus is yet again proclaimed the Son of God. When we come to this place we too are changed or transformed. In the presence of God, in the place of forgiveness, in the removal of our Guilt, (Shame, Errors … Sins) … we are restored to a place of honor in the Kingdom and in the World. So this Sunday as we come together to pray, to feast (it is Communion Sunday), to ask forgiveness … let us also know that we come together to be transformed.

Blessings All – Pastor Roy