Gazing at the Glory of God


Each year, no matter how long the season of Epiphany is, the Sunday before Ash Wednesday is when the Lectionary appoints the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration.  I think of this as the Church’s way of preparing the faithful for the intense journey of Lent by reminding us of what waits at the end – being in the glorious presence of God manifest in the Resurrected Christ.  No matter the trails that we encounter in life, we are empowered with that knowledge that God is with always.

The paradox we encounter is that we humans want to be reassured of God’s presence in our life and yet terrified of the revelation of God’s glory.  We see it in the story of Moses covering his face with a veil because he glowed after being in God’s nearer presence.  In the story of the Transfiguration, Peter is so befuddled by the experience that he wants to build booths for Jesus, Moses and Elijah to live in rather than acknowledging his deep fear of what God needs him to do – follow Jesus’s command to love one another as he has loved them!

Being in, or even recognizing being in, God’s glory is rare.  Most of the time we are simply trying to make it through the day, managing job, family, school, health and basic needs.  We, generally, don’t have the time to consider what it is like to be in God’s glory or how we might respond to it if we found ourselves in such a position.  I do have some compassion for the fear that Peter, James and John had.  I am sure it would be terrifying to see someone so changed in front of my eyes.  While I want to believe I would respond differently, I’m not sure I would.  And yet this story does ask us to do just that, be prepared to witness to God’s glory in everyday events, even (or perhaps, especially) the difficult, painful ones. 

While the Transfiguration is spectacular, it is what happens afterward that is the real lesson. You can read about it in Luke chapter 9, or come to church on Sunday and listen to the Sermon – or do both!  I won’t give everything away in this teaser but consider how during our Lenten devotions we might look for God’s glory in our everyday lives. We might be surprised and witness more than we expect!

This weekend is our Diocesan Convention.  Please keep our Bishop, Diocesan Staff and all attendees in your prayers as we seek to be faithful disciples, offering ourselves and resources for God’s mission as best as we can discern it. 
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in the Diocese of New Jersey for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Christ,
Rev. Valerie+

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