Introduction to Readers:

“Boredom with established truths is the great enemy of free men.” (Bernard Crick)

British political theorist Bernard Crick’s observation has been on my mind this week. His book, In Defense of Politics, was a formative text in college days, especially because he was a powerful champion of the need for authentic civic education in our schools. As we wrestled with Bonhoeffer’s book, The Cost of Discipleship, over the past several weeks, Crick’s words were ringing in my ears and two things became clear: first, reading systematic theology is a significant challenge! And second, it is easy within the hustle and bustle of our lives, to lose sight of those “established truths” (our doctrines) that provide the road map for our faith journeys. Complacency sets in. We get distracted. We lose our way. Yet, there stands Bonhoeffer reminding us that, as Christians, we are grounded in something that is rock-solid and ever-renewing: the life of Jesus Christ in Word (scriptures) and Holy Sacraments (baptism and communion).

As always, thanks for returning to this space this week. And as the world turns, we are ten days out from Ash Wednesday and the 40-day Lenten Journey! Hard to believe. My reflections this week will focus on that pivotal story from the end of the Epiphany Season — the Transfiguration of our Lord. One final note of introduction: Tuesday is a day of commemoration within the ELCA for Deaconess Elizabeth Fedde (b. 1850) who died on 25 February in 1921. Rollie Lee put me on to her remarkable story a few years back. Click on her image if you want to learn more about this incredible woman of faith.

The Transfiguration Gospel

²⁸ Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. ²⁹ And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. ³⁰ Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. ³¹ They appeared in glory and were speaking about his exodus, which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. ³² Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep, but as they awoke they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. ³³ Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us set up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” not realizing what he was saying. ³⁴ While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. ³⁵ Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” ³⁶ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. ³⁷ On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. ³⁸ Just then a man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. ³⁹ Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. ⁴⁰ I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” ⁴¹ Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” ⁴² While he was being brought forward, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. ⁴³ And all were astounded at the greatness of God.

Reflections: Miracle on the Mountain

For the past several weeks, we have been experiencing various “Epiphany” moments in Jesus’ life — instances where His divine power is evident (think the Magi visit, His baptism in the Jordan River, and turning water to wine at the wedding in Cana). Transfiguration Sunday is the climactic moment in that season. Owing to its significance, the story is recounted in all three Synoptic Gospels (also in Matthew 17: 1-9 and Mark 9: 2-8), and in 2 Peter 1: 16-18 (c. 80-90 CE) to verify its authenticity. In these passages, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain (thought to be Mount Tabor in northern Israel) where He is transfigured before them, His face shining like the sun, and His clothes becoming as white as light. Moses and Elijah appear, and a voice from a cloud declares, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” Shortly thereafter, they descend the mountain and Jesus heals a child suffering from violent seizures at the behest of his father, who earlier asked the disciples for healing, to no avail.

What should we take away from this story? These things caught my attention. First, they ascended the mountain to pray, something Jesus did at pivotal moments in His earthly journey. Is it possible he is feeling weighed down by the ominous events that are about to unfold as He returns to Jerusalem? The appearance of Moses and Elijah, two of Israel’s famous figures, reinforce Jesus’ role in the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies (note the Exodus reading — and wouldn’t it be fascinating to know what exactly they talked about!). Second, I have always been intrigued by the reaction of the three disciples. It feels like they don’t get it, they’re confused and simply want to stay there and revel in the spectacular nature of the moment. Peter, in fact, wants to put up tents, recalling the Festival of the Booths in Jewish history (see Leviticus 23:42 for further connections). Finally, I must admit that my understanding of this passage in scripture has been unbalanced due to the fact that I have often left out “part two,” the descent from the mountain. The dramatic experience on Mount Tabor is followed by a return to the agonizing “real world” of suffering. Jesus’ reaction to the failure of the disciples shows a side of Him we don’t often see — deep frustration. His disciples — those closest to him — are falling short. I wonder how they felt at that moment.

Finally, while reminding us of the importance of prayer, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the reality of human frailty, this mysterious moment on the mountain and what followed fills me with wonder. And, in our chaotic and tumultuous world, moments of wonder are a gift.

Soli deo Gloria!

Prayer Reflection from Thurman

Lord, Lord, Open Unto Me
Open unto me, light for my darkness,
Open unto me, courage for my fear
Open unto me, hope for my despair,
Open unto me, peace for my turmoil
Open unto me, joy for my sorrow,
Open unto me, strength for my weakness
Open unto me, wisdom for my confusion,
Open unto me, forgiveness for my sins
Open unto me, tenderness for my toughness,
Open unto me, love for my hates
Open unto me, Thy Self for myself, 
Lord, Lord, open unto me! Amen.

At the time of his death in 1981, Howard Thurman was Dean Emeritus of Marsh Chapel, Boston University. He also served as Dean of Rankin Chapel and professor of theology at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and Director of Religious Life at Morehouse College. He is often cited as a spiritual mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr.

Musical Offering: The Youngbloods

A quick backstory: Growing up as a PK meant many journeys to Bible Camp, Red Willow in North Dakota and Luther Park in Wisconsin. One empowering moment from 1969 was sitting around a campfire by the lake in northern Wisconsin singing Get Together, led by the counselors (college kids who knew how to engage our young minds — we thought they were cool!). It all seems so innocent all these years later. No doubt, some of the older pastors raised their eyebrows a bit, but it was such a revelation to think that music that was hot on the charts at the time, could be experienced through the lens of Christianity! The lyrics still hold and our world needs to hear them! Click the album cover and do a bit of musical time-tripping.

Faithful Conversations on Sunday

Note: We will resume our regular Lectionary Conversations on Sunday 2 March at 10:45 in the church library. We talk through the readings (some or all) in an informal setting — no prior preparation is necessary and all are welcome!