Sermon Notes, Transfiguration

Transfiguration
= change in form or appearance
ALSO an exalting, glorifying, or spiritual change
(First english use – for this feast day)
Always a positive connotation

Transfig is invitation to us.

Jesus: up the mountaintop: suddenly seen as glowing – radiant – amazing
…What if Jesus isn’t the one who changed?
Change comes in how Jesus is seen

Jesus: embodiment of love, grace, mercy – those things remain unchanged.
Peter: has a moment that renders him… stunned? Senseless?
James and John – we don’t know their reaction – but they’re there.
Their worldview has shifted.

Jesus looks at them, and beyond them – to everything visible from the mountaintop (i.e. the world):
And they see Jesus loving it all.
And Peter and James and John realise that is the call in following Jesus: to find ways to love all.
Because in basking in THAT love, radiance happens,
Glow coming from within.
So this opportunity is an invitation for us to look out on the world that way too: as an invitation to love. Fully, at times foolishly, loving.

And the next invitation that we get today:
Suddenly Moses and Elijah are there: speaking with Jesus.
Heroes of the faith: not just amazingly known folks of the scriptures
But teachers of the faith. Inspirations. Encouragers. Role models.
Standing with Jesus – as Peter’s and James’ and John’s faith grows.
They see not just the person of Jesus, but the strength of tradition.
And they’re invited to recognise the continuity of faith – through this.
Invitation then invites us to consider who has been instrumental in our faith journey?
Who are our spiritual heroes?
Who do we see standing by Jesus when we are having our faith strengthened and encouraged and changed?
Whoever they are – they bless us.
And we are touched by the light of their faith – by the radiance of their gist to us.

May the love of God shock us with its brilliance.
May the face of Jesus continue to amaze us as it is revealed each day
May those who have formed us continue to inspire us in the faith
May we too come off of mountaintops ready to love, bless, and minister: always reflecting the light of Christ.