Luke 9:28-36

 Sermon delivered by Amy Russell

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Hood River, OR

August 6, 2023

This is a sermon I offered recently. May you find something useful here.

***************************************

Prayer: Loving God, open our hearts and mind to hear your Truth, to know Your love, to walk Your Way.

It’s a joy to be with you, on this very special day, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ. This scriptural story is very near to my heart and I’m especially grateful to Kelly for his invitation for me to speak with you. 

I want to begin with the word “transfiguration” — not a word we use every day. Transfiguration is related to the word “metamorphosis”, meaning a process of deep interior change so profound that the physical form visibly changes. Transfiguration refers to something emerging that is of great beauty; an essential aspect of what or who is undergoing this change. Think of transfiguration like the caterpillar turning into a beautiful butterfly. The caterpillar has within its DNA the potential to become a butterfly. So too with human beings. In our religious context, transfiguration is a process of change that is of God.

Throughout the Gospel of Luke, we see Jesus in his element, doing what he does — teaching and preaching, healing the sick and feeding the hungry. Jesus knows the suffering that awaits him in Jerusalem, and has prepared his disciples. He gives them power so they will carry on his ministry. He also assures them that his painful death will not be the end, that he will be resurrected in a new form.

Then, in chapter 9, we come to the Transfiguration story. Jesus brings Peter, James, and John up to the mountain to pray. “And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.” In another version of this story, the language is a little different: “…His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as the light.” (Matthew 17:2) Transfiguration. An inner change in Jesus is expressed through a visible change in his outer appearance. Here, this change comes as Jesus comes closer to God in prayer.

Suddenly, cutting across time and space, Moses and Elijah appear in conversation with Jesus about what is coming. The presence of these ancient figures is key: Moses carries the wisdom of the Law, known in the 10 Commandments; Elijah represents the long line of prophets who speak God’s truth. Their presence affirms that Jesus is not contradicting the Law and prophetic wisdom. Nor is Jesus a reincarnation of Moses or Elijah, as some suspected. Rather, He is the Son of God, the fulfillment of ancient wisdom.

As if out of the whirlwind, an enormous cloud forms. The disciples are terrified. God’s booming voice pours forth, “This is my Son, my Chosen one; listen to him.” In Matthew’s version, the language is a little different: “This is my Son, whom I love… with him I am well pleased… Listen to him!” Matthew 17:5

What are we to make of this story? I suggest that the Transfiguration story points to one of the most powerful themes in Christian spirituality. In this one scene, we behold the mystery of God: Jesus the Christ, human and divine, existing in time and beyond time. Jesus the Christ, who came not to abolish the law and the prophets, but to fulfill them. And Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose life is deeply intertwined with ours. 

God said to the disciples as He says to us, “Listen to Him!” And what did Jesus tell us is our life calling: “Love God with all your heart, mind and soul…. And love your neighbor as I have loved you….. (John 13:34)

I suggest that transfiguration is the essence of our journey with Christ. We are transfigured through our closeness with Him. The force of Love that He emanates changes us. That Love opens our heart, heals inner wounds, and we reach out to others in love. 

What does Transfiguration in our human journey with Christ look like? Here are two examples:

First, transfiguration happens every day, around the world in the rooms of 12 Step recovery. If you have struggled with addiction or watched another struggle, you know the heavy burden of addiction. This is true is any form of addiction, alcohol, other drugs, food, sex, gambling, or other forms. People arrive at the doors of recovery beaten down, often near physical death. 

Transfiguration happens in those who receive the gift of sobriety (or abstinence). The rooms of recovery are full of those who bear witness to this dramatic change. The facial skin brightens, eyes light up, spontaneous laughter happens. Hope is restored. 

People in recovery learn quickly that recovery is not an event, it’s a journey. Recovery takes time, commitment, and work. We need to show up, examine the truth of who we are, the good and the bad, taking responsibility for our actions. But recovery is ultimately a spiritual process. We learn to put our lives on a spiritual foundation, meaning that we surrender to a power greater than ourselves. For those who are Christian, this is a familiar language. But it takes on new meaning in the process of confronting addiction. This is transfiguration.

Another example of transfiguration is in the process of grief. Here, transfiguration may appear quietly, slowly, almost imperceptibly. 

I suspect everyone in this room has experienced deep loss, if not several losses in life. Loss may come through the death of a loved one, or an illness. Loss may come in divorce, or loss of a job or home or a dream. 

Deep loss and the inevitable grief that follows is a universal human experience. It goes to the very core of who we are. Typically, moving through grief is a slow journey. We may get stuck in grief for a while — weeks, months, or even years. 

But grief is a healing process, a time when the pain of loss becomes the teacher of love, including how we care for ourselves. Prayer, community support balanced with time alone to feel may be especially helpful in healing through grief. Sometimes, psychotherapy may be useful. Over time, the grip of grief releases. 

The vulnerability of grief re-forms us. The light returns in our eyes. We stand a little straighter. Hope is restored. Healing through grief is not flashy or dramatic. Scars remain. Over time, we are called into new life. We are transfigured.

Transfiguration is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is an actual manifestation of the Spirit moving within us, shaping us, guiding us, bringing us closer to God, and into new Life. It is a journey of inner transformation that brings forward who we truly are. 

I encourage you to find your own examples of Transfiguration, in your life and in the lives of others. These examples are all around. Sometimes dramatic, sometimes quiet, always unique. 

This is our journey with Christ, a journey of love, a journey for a lifetime…

 AMEN.