Topeka and Trinity Transfigured

Thinking of my own mountaintop experiences makes me think of Chapel at the Cross atop the highest hill at Mo Ranch, TX - an arduous climb up a slippery pebbled road, breathing asthmatic breaths long before reaching the top.  Upon approach I first see the outdoor amphitheater with graduated stone semi circular seating and geckos running around.  The spectacular view across the valley far below with the Guadalupe River winding through is punctuated by the gigantic wooden cross at the base of the fish-shaped chancel.  The cross reaches toward the heavens and eagles and hawks circle around flying at eye level. The communion table is hill country stone.  The "ruah" breath of the wind never ceases.  It is a numinous place where people gather expecting God's presence.  It is a place which embraces me and holds me holy and sacred.

In my imagination, here is where Peter, James, and John gather with Jesus (Luke 9: 28-36).  With Jesus  transcendent in dazzling white, almost too glorious to behold and with the appearance of mighty Old Testament prophets, Moses and Elijah, the disciples are enveloped by the clouds.  Perhaps the climb wore them out to account for their sleepiness and their lack of understanding about Jesus' coming death in Jerusalem.  But Peter, James, and John are aware enough of the exceptional circumstances that they want to hold onto such glory, offering to build booths so they could stay atop the mountain.

But mountaintop experiences serve to inspire, motivate, encourage, and provide sustenance for the rest of life's journey in the valleys of our every day-ness.  This transfiguration of Jesus is the prelude and foundation for what lies ahead for the disciples and all Christ followers.  For we must all come down the mountain to face our challenges. When we come down the mountain, we confront the challenges of suffering and sorrow; illness and disease; temptations and terrors.  The Transfiguration is incomplete without the rest of the story (Luke 9: 37-43a).  For in the valley Jesus encounters a desperate father seeking healing for his young epileptic son, whose seizures the disciples cannot heal.  "And all were astounded at the greatness of God" (Luke 9: 43a).

The great glory of God in Jesus transfigured cannot be separated from the needs of the world.  Life is whole when we can be astonished and astounded as we hear God's voice affirming "This is my Son!"  God commands us to "Listen to him."  In believing that Jesus is God's Son and in listening to Jesus, we can move from powerless disciples to Christ followers who seize opportunities to heal the world one act at a time, one day at a time, and in response to the cries of the world.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Shelley