HOLY MYSTERY ON THE MOUNTAIN TOP
"God places us in the world as his fellow workers-agents of transfiguration. We work with God so that injustice is transfigured into justice, so there will be more compassion and caring, that there will be more laughter and joy, that there will be more togetherness in God's World." (Desmond Tutu)
On Sunday morning, Debbie chose as her readings, Luke 9:28-36 (Jesus is transfigured) and a quote from Anthony B. Robinson: "Holy ground is not safe. It is full of mystery and magic and power. We aren't in control here on the mountain. But should you find yourself here, don't just do something. Stand there. Don't speak. Listen. As the cloud swirls and the fog lifts, "This is my Son; listen to him," and "Because having been to the mountain, when you return - as you must - everything will be different, bright, charge, transfigured - even you."
From the core of Luke's faith comes the story of the transfiguration and she invited us to listen for the underlying truth while viewing incredible mountain top scenes, projected. Luke presents his newly adopted faith in Jesus and, to express this profound understanding, he tells this story.
Jesus goes up to the mountain to pray and he is transfigured. Suddenly Moses and Elijah are there, talking to Jesus.
As they depart, the disciples ask if they might build three shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah on the mountain
but a cloud overshadows all and a voice says, "This is my son. Listen to him."
Did you note the difference? What did you hear? What does Luke want you to know about Jesus. Luke's story is about his faith in Jesus - of mystery and power. Peter and others are there with Jesus. A bright light sets Jesus apart. Two other "superheroes" are there. Moses of the burning bush and mountain top collection of the Ten Commandments - Debbie calls him 'a Paul-Bunyan of faith' - and Elijah - invited yearly to occupy the empty chair of Passover - who faced angry kings and heard God in the still small voice are "icons of faith." Luke is saying that as God speaks, he listens to Jesus, bathed in light - a leader like Moses and Elijah. Luke's chosen - Listen.
Debbie mentioned ruminating over this story for the past two weeks and went on to tell us that about what she heard. Listen. Every year we hear this story on the Sunday before Lent begins (The Lectionary). It is about making space in our lives to listen for the Holy. Maybe in seeing things in a new way, we are transfigured. God is reaching out and inviting us to reach out too.
Moses led the people in the Wilderness for 40 years - a long time to listen. Elijah spent 40 days and nights on the mountain before beginning his work. Jesus spent 40 days and nights before beginning his ministry. He often went apart from his followers to pray. Each had lots of time for listening. Debbie encouraged us make 40 minutes or even 4 to listen for the Holy in our lives. She went on to say that in her spiritual practice she tries to listen - walking, sitting, just resting her brain and listening. She mentioned that the upcoming Mt. St. Francis Retreat next Sunday afternoon is a great opportunity for this spiritual practice.
"Throughout Lent, find the space for listening and be transformed. Hear and experience God then carry on doing God's work in the world. Find that spot and make space to hear God. Know that you are loved and carry on with your life."
Summary by Brenda Wallace
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