Matthew 17:1-9

Sunset

And When They Raised Their Eyes…

Late afternoon the other day as sunset was moving in, the sky displayed a beautiful spread of colors in between the homes and trees, utility poles and power lines. Through all the obstacles intruding on the view, there was light, not only persevering, but also bringing hope, showing up in shades of glory, working among its surroundings, in a most remarkable way.

When was the last time your attention was caught by light? Recall where you were and what was happening at the time. How were your heart and mind stirred by the experience? As you remember it, how are you touched by it today?

The following verses from the Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Lent (Matthew 17:1-9) come after Peter, James, and John witness the Transfiguration of Jesus. The three disciples saw remarkable light as they watched Jesus, transfigured, speaking with the prophets, Moses and Elijah. Peter is all about wanting to build three tents at the site—one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.

Take some time to consider what you seek to preserve and what kinds of things lead you to a sense of reverence or admiration?

While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid. – v. 5-6

Envision yourself on the mountain alongside the three disciples. Like them, you hear the voice and fall to the ground, face down in fear. In that moment, it’s as if you’re alone. But then, Jesus puts his hand on your shoulder and says, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” (v. 7). You lift your head and the first thing you see, are Jesus’s eyes, tenderly looking into your eyes. You reach for and grab his hand as he helps you to stand up. Next, the two of you sit down, and Jesus asks you to tell him what you are afraid of, what is weighing on you or puts your gaze down toward the ground. What do you say? And how does Jesus respond?

What do you need from Jesus to continue raising your eyes toward Him?

Continue the conversation, taking time to reveal what’s on your heart and pausing to really listen to what Jesus wants you to know. When this exchange with Jesus feels complete, allow for some words or a gesture between you and Jesus as you prepare to rejoin the disciples for the trek back down the mountain.

What does Jesus want you to carry with you or to remember most at this moment?

Sunset

And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. – Matthew 17:8

Beloved Moments…

There’s something about climbing a mountain, of any kind, that lends itself to leaning in. Stepping ahead, slowing down, gaining traction, sometimes even resting. Hints here and there—leading, reaching, stretching—all progress in this journey.

There’s something about climbing a mountain, of any kind, that lends itself to letting go. Noticing moments filled with movement; movement filled with moments. Some are silent and others not. Some are focused more than others. A mix of sorts, obstacles slowly falling away, leaving room for air as well as airing.

There’s something about climbing a mountain, of any kind, that lends itself to learning. Exploring ups and downs, reflecting on what’s over, up ahead, or coming around. Changing ever changing, discovering what’s important and tossing what is not.

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
“Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” – Mt 17:1-9

It Is Good…

Walking alongside a beach, the sand is smooth and the waves gentle, like ripples in a lake, pond, or puddle. The path is peaceful and seemingly continuous, until the disruption up ahead; a trench created by water draining back toward the ocean. The chasm is too large to jump across, and there’s no way around it. Or at least no way to get to the other side without having to come off the beach and onto the cracked, uneven sidewalk, stepping through the cold water, or trudging down into and through the muddy-like sand. Pausing to ponder… how best to make it through what seems like the great divide?

In looking to the Gospel passage for the Second Sunday of Lent, Peter says, “Lord, it is good we are here.” This is because he recognizes the moment as a sacred one; something greater is happening here, and we need to take heed and behold it. As he continues speaking, the bright cloud appears, a shadow is cast by it, and a voice says, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” With this, the environment shifts for Peter, James, and John, and their posture changes, but they still recognize the moment as sacred, “they fell prostrate.”

As we try to navigate this world, it can be tempting to shy away, to want to hide, circumvent, or look the other way, and to carry on insulated from the chaos and division that swirls around us. Yet, faith calls us to face the shifting environment by placing our hope and trust in Jesus. Rather than losing heart, we are called to take on the heart of Jesus. And in doing so, even when the reality in front of us may be unpleasant or seem bleak, we are able to face it through the Light of God who helps us to know when and how to rise, and to recognize each moment in these turbulent times as being sacred; holding hope and promise. This is simply because, God is with us, making the dark clouds become bright and spreading light in the midst of darkness, even when, like Peter, James and John, we don’t see it coming.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
“Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” – Mt 17:1-9

Here…

Sitting in traffic, stuck in place, with many miles to go. Looking ahead, nothing but motionless vehicles, varying in size and height. Looking back, more of the same, but to the right, reassurance.

Here319

Sometimes, when life, or the happenings around us, are less than picturesque, it can be alluring to dream of being anywhere, but “here,” and in any time, but “now.” Similarly, the opposite, nowhere but “here” and no time but “now,” can hold true, when all seems as good as it can possibly be.

After Jesus is transfigured, Peter says, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Matthew 17:4). It seems so clear to Peter that the moment is here and the time is now. However, further down the line, when things take a turn and become more and more difficult and challenging… when Jesus is arrested, put on trial, condemned, crucified, and dies, does anyone see the moment and time as being here and now, as well?

Yes. Jesus does, and so can we.

Oftentimes the most significant, meaningful moments, the ones that speak volumes, revealing who we really are, and the depth of our being, are the ones right in front of us. Whether the times are considered to be good or bad matters not. Here and now is the right place and the right time to be motivated by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Here and now is always the right place and time to follow Jesus’ example, and to be led by God.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
“Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” – Matthew 17:1-9