The glorious
transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain before his disciples came after
he predicted his suffering and death and told his followers they must
follow him.
Undoubtedly they found his sayings hard to hear. He had to go to Jerusalem, endure great suffering and be put to death, Jesus told them, adding: “Anyone who wishes to be a follower of mine must renounce self, take up his cross and follow me.”
Peter, as usual reacting for the others, protested “Heaven forbid! No, Lord, this shall never happen to you.” Most likely he was also thinking: “Nor should it happen to me, either.”
Yet are we less disturbed to hear about carrying a cross and losing our life?
In answer to his disciples’ misgivings, Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain and was transfigured before them. They saw his face shining like the sun and his garments brilliant white.
They were filled with awe as they realized his glory was also theirs, a glory not only to be experienced in his future kingdom, but also here on earth.
The New Testament Letters of Peter, influenced by Peter’s experience, promise we will share God’s glory even now, in this present life. Even now, the dark places here and now can shine if we hold them up to the light of faith. ( 2 Peter 1:16-19)
It is not God’s will that the Cross burden us too much.
Even now, Jesus reveals his glory to us wayfarers, that we may rejoice. Even now, we can see intimations of God’s glory in our earthly lives, brief encounters, transitory moments, transfigurations of a lesser kind, as Jesus leads us to the mountain to see his glory.
Lord Jesus,
lead me to that mountainplace
of stronger light
and surer sound
where I may see your glory.
The mountain pilgrims climb,
up steep valley paths,
their clothes covered with everyday dust,
and tired in their bones.
The mountain of truth:
"Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain
to the house of the God of Jacob,
where God instructs us in his ways
that we may walk in his paths."
The lovely mountain
where lowly sparrows feast,
and one day outshines
thousands elsewhere
because you are there, my God.
The mountain close by,
within,
that I climb everyday;
the holy ground I stand on
now.
Light and truth,
bright as blinding snow,
whom Peter, James and John saw,
"Lead me on,
and bring me to your holy mountain,
to your dwelling place."
