Transfiguration and Transformation

This Sunday we are presented with Matthew’s account of the Transfiguration (please see the postscript).

This fits in well with last week’s theme of finding treasure (the kingdom of God) in a field (the world). 

What might we get with worldly treasure?  Worldly goods.  Like a life-time supply of Doritos (you spend your treasure your way, Steve will spend it his…).

What might we get with heavenly treasure? 

Transfiguration.

We’re meant to share in Christ’s transfiguration.  St. Irenaeus taught that “The light of the Father passes into the flesh of Christ; and from Christ it shines forth upon us, so that each of us is enfolded”

We live in a world that is obsessed with “transformation.”  Christ offers Transfiguration.  In our follow-up messages and video (coming out tomorrow) we’ll consider what that actually looks like in daily life. 

Until then, for whatever burdens you may be carrying, and especially the communal burden of our deteriorating world, it is worth reminding ourselves daily that Christ transfigured the cross into the Tree of Life.  If He can transfigure the cross, He can transfigure any of our burdens. 

Blessings on your journey with Christ –

Steve and Karen Smith

Interior Life

Postscript – Jesus’ transfiguration (Mt 17:1-9)

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."