Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Luke 9:18-31

In the Bible, the mountain top is often a place of revelation. In this story, it is the place Jesus experiences the full glory of God, the Creator, his Abba. His appearance is radically transformed by God’s presence. His face glows, his clothing sparkles, Moses and Elijah appear, and Jesus speaks with them about his mission and destiny — about what is to come.

Peter, amazed by what he has just witnessed, wants to preserve the scene by building dwellings for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. But Jesus knows what he must do and will not be derailed by Peter’s enticing offer to have this glorious experience enshrined by remaining on the mountain. The “transfigured” Jesus is heading for Jerusalem where he will give his life for the life of the world!

Lately I’ve been pondering why it is that every year we hear the Transfiguration story the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. There must be a reason why — told each year from a different Gospel — this story is essential for beginning our Lenten journey. I think it is because Jesus came to transform our lives. As we intentionally focus on deepening our awareness and connection with Jesus,
the brilliancy of his love shines through ours. Through the disciplines of prayer, fasting, self-examination, repentance, and works of love, we walk to Jerusalem with Christ — then on to Calvary, the Cross and the Grave.

May our Lenten journey with Jesus transform and renew us as we offer our lives in diaconal service “for the life of the world.”

Prayer: Gracious God, journey with us this Lenten season. Fill us with the wonder of your presence so that, transformed, we may reflect your glory and love. Amen.

Deaconess Bev Lund, Shaker Heights, OH

image: “The Transfiguration of Jesus” by Armando Alemdar Ara (wikimedia)