The Transfiguration of Our Lord
Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Cor 3:12—4:2; Luke 9:28–43a
When things get challenging, and we find ourselves in uncertain times, we are drawn to what makes us feel safe and protected. It is a natural human behavior. We reach this Sunday of Transfiguration feeling as much about our world. We crave the love and comfort that only our Savior can provide. We also reach this Sunday as worshipers, perhaps feeling a little chewed up by some of the toughest words Jesus had to say to his disciples either in positions of privilege (Luke 6:17-26) or oppression (Luke 6:27-38). Chances are, so did Peter, James, and John after Jesus first discloses his fate and purpose in Luke’s gospel (9:18-27). “It is good for us to be here!” Says Peter (33). “Listen to him!” Says the divine voice in the clouds. That means placing the mountaintop experience in the rearview mirror, keeping our heads down, and descending into the valley to face the opposing forces and veil that still prevent the people from seeing.
In Exodus, Moses has just had his mountaintop experience, and his appearance now reveals and assures the Israelites that the shining glory of the Lord remains with them through the prophet’s words. The life-giving words of the Torah are about to be given to God’s people so they can become a light to the nations, giving sight to the blind (Isaiah 42:6-7).
For Paul, the veil is everything that prevents us from seeing and experiencing the glory of God reflected in everyone who has become one with Christ. To the Christians in Corinth, he argues that the proclamtion of God’s words of truth in Jesus Christ (4:2) has the power to transform us and remove the fog of the oppressing forces separating us from God. That leads to the Spiritual liberation that returns the believers to the saving arms of their Lord (3:16-18).
The Psalmist sings:
“O mighty king, lover of justice,
you have established equity;
you have executed justice
and righteousness in Jacob.
Proclaim the greatness of the Lord
and fall down before God’s footstool;
God is the Holy One (Psalm 99:4-5).”
Bridging Faith 