The Transfiguration of Christ happens at the top of a mountain. All of the greatest revelations and interactions with the Almighty happen on the top of mountains. When you're reading along in the Bible and the scene moves to a high place, get ready - God is about to say something important, share a new set of laws, or fulfill the old ones!
What is said to Jesus is the confirmation of who he is, what he is being called to do - and the power of God is bestowed to accomplish the task. "You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased." And then a word to the disciples (and each one of us): Listen to him.
Great! the disciples think. This is fantastic! Finally a confirmation that the one we are following is "The One." Peter suggests that they build three permanent shelters and camp out - Let's experience this "mountain top experience" for as long as we can. Maybe we can change the world from up here!? Right?
Nope, says Jesus. That's not the confirmation I've received. We need to travel to Jerusalem now, to the cross, to my suffering and death... and finally, to the new life that will be lavished upon the entire world.
This week marks the end of the season of light (Epiphany) and the transition to the season of darkness - Lent. You are invited to journey to the one place you would rather avoid... to the broken relationship that needs mending, to the person you treat as a leper, to the one who holds up a mirror to your judgmental self-righteousness.
This is Your Cross.
Family begins at church.
Transformation begins in faith.
And the cross awaits us all, no matter how hard we try to avoid it.
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