Sermon by the Rev. Kathryn Snelling, Deacon

Scriptures: Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 99; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9

Today we are near the end of our season of Epiphany.

In some traditions, Epiphany ends with the Baptism of the Lord, but we observe an extended version, and Epiphany for us continues until the day before Ash Wednesday.

As we have journeyed through this season, the scriptures have emphasized the glory of Christ, through various events in his life, culminating with this event that we read today, the Transfiguration of Jesus.

We hear a version of it every year at this time.

Today it was from Matthew on other years in the cycle, it’s from Mark or Luke.

In this vision, Peter, James and John see Elijah and Moses. Elijah being the great prophet, who was to come to herald the coming of the Messiah, and Moses, who was the one who brought God’s law to the people, standing there with Jesus. And Jesus being transfigured with dazzling light.

They hear this voice from the cloud declaring to them who Jesus is, God’s Beloved.

And in the days to come, after the “Son of Man rose from the dead”. They remembered this vision, and the words that Jesus spoke earlier.

We heard those words in last week‘s scriptures, when Jesus talked about us being the salt and light in the world. He went on to say, “do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets, rather, I have come to fulfill them.”

To bring all of God’s work to fulfillment in Jesus, his power, his words, his way of life.

And I love it when they were cowering in fear and confusion -

Jesus came and touched them, “Get up, and do not be afraid.”

And looking up they saw only Jesus

Looking outwardly as the friend and rabi they knew.

Yet, when they came down from that mountain, they were transfigured.

Peter states in his letter of being an eyewitness to this revelation of Jesus’s glory and of hearing the voice, though he leaves off the final words the voice spoke; “Listen to Him.”

Now,I would say that we, each one of us, may have been led up a mountain with Jesus. At some point in our life, whenever it happened, when we said, “yes” to Jesus.

Yes, I want you in my life - yes, I will follow you.

That became a moment when we experienced a transfiguration of our own.

For transfiguration is synonymous with transformation or change.

Something changed in our heart, something changed in our mind and in our understanding and in our being.

And these moments of transfiguration continue through our lives as we walk with Jesus. And listen to him.

And it is true that some of these moments may be big and grand experiences with great illumination - what we call mountain top experiences.

But I venture to say that most of our moments of transfiguration come in rather mundane, ordinary ways as we go about our day-to-day lives. Surprising us.

Something strikes a chord, something suddenly becomes so clear, something deepens our understanding.

Sometimes they come with great joy, sometimes they come as we struggle through difficult situations and dark times.

And always with Jesus, touching our shoulder and assuring us of his presence with us.

As we leave the season of Epiphany, we begin our journey through the season of Lent. This season has many traditional pathways.

My prayer is that as we enter this season of Lent; a time of intentional contemplation and reflection with stillness and quiet and listening,

That we go carrying the Epiphany light - the light of Christ with us.

And when we come out on the other side, may we emerge more deeply and inwardly transfigured.

Amen