Don Elly, M.Div.
Reflecting on this story of the Transfiguration as Luke tells it tests us. What do you find yourself focusing on as you ponder Luke’s story? Do you trace back eight days and try to figure out what Jesus said eight days ago that caused Jesus to go to the mountain to pray?
Jesus says, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised.” Next Jesus states direct, strong expectations of his followers. This is the context of Jesus’ prayer experience with Peter, James and John.
Think back on those recent times that you have sought God in prayer: What triggered the need? Where were you at the time? Did you pray immediately, or as in this passage did you go to a special place and seek special people to share this time of prayer with you? And the most important question, which is at the center of this passage, what happens while you are praying? Luke tells us that while Jesus is praying he experiences a transfiguration in which Jesus’s teachings about rejection, death and resurrection are confirmed in the company of Moses and Elijah as they talk to him.
I believe that we miss the point when we focus on the dramatic scene, missing that prayer for Jesus is a moment when he sought God’s comfort and God met that need. Moses, as the Law giver and Elijah, as the prophet model remind us that prayer is strengthened by resources God has already given us: scripture, teaching and a community. Use these resources and be ready for God to meet you in your moment of need.
Secondly, the purpose of prayer is not to get my request met—in fact there is no request made here by Jesus. Rather it is to be open to what a growing developing relationship with God can give, the ability to seek God and let God speak to us. That is what happens: Peter’s efforts to ground this experience are defeated. The goal of prayer is to remind us to listen to God, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” In prayer God sets the stage for us to be alone with Jesus. That’s enough isn’t it?
February 7, 2016; Cycle C; Transfiguration of the Lord
Exodus 34:29-35 ; Psalm 99;
2nd Cor. 3:12-4:2; *Luke 9:28-43
donrelly 