The Last Sunday After the Epiphany (Year C), Feb. 18, 2007
BCP: Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 1 Cor. 12:27-13:13; Luke 9:28-36
RCL: Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Cor. 3:12—4:2; Luke 9:28-36(37-43)
Sometimes a magnificent mountain is covered by fog, and a visitor can assume there is nothing out of the ordinary to be seen. No mountain is visible until the fog lifts. But the mountain was present even when it was obscured. The visitor may be delighted when the mountain can at last be seen.
God’s glory has always been present to us, but we do not always see it. We do not always recognize God’s presence, and we are not always available to God’s love. But Christ is the Son of God and the divine glory is visible in him. The transfiguration of Jesus on the mountaintop (Luke 9) added nothing to his divinity, but it revealed his glory to Peter, John, and James — and to us. Jesus’ glory is shown dramatically, and in that light his close friends come to know more fully the truth of his life and what that means for them. Jesus is the Son of God, the chosen one, but now they see him clearly. He surpasses and fulfills the law and the prophets of their faith. He is God visible in the world, and seen in the clear vision of the transfiguration.
The vision of God is transformative for us. Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountaintop points to what is possible for us in him. His glory makes us new people as we share the light of transfiguration. His light is for us.
Paul tells the Corinthians that in Christ the “veil” of separation from God is removed (2 Cor. 3:16). We can be transformed as we turn to the Lord, seeing the divine glory without hindrance, “with unveiled faces.” And we see God’s glory plainly, “as though reflected in a mirror.” This vision transforms us into the image of God’s glory, setting us free to become new people. In this light, “we do not lose heart” (2 Cor. 4:1).
Look It Up
A collect at the Easter Vigil prays that God may “let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made,” Jesus Christ (BCP, p. 291).
Think About It
What does it mean to “walk in the light”? How will our lives and choices be different if we are “transfigured” in Christ?
Next Sunday
The First Sunday in Lent (Year C), Feb. 25, 2007
BCP: Deut. 26: (1-4)5-11; Psalm 91 or 91:9-15; Rom. 10:(5-8a)8b-13; Luke 4:1-13
RCL: Deut. 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Rom. 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13
