There is Light in the Darkness - Transfiguration

Tom Hook

 “Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” 

Prior to ascending the mountain to pray, I imagine Jesus’ confusion and darkness. Born into a time of great turmoil, he has endured much in his short life and even shorter public ministry. I imagine him speaking to the Father…..“Why don’t the people understand my message of your unconditional love? Even my disciples don’t seem to get it! Abba, must I really travel this path to Jerusalem and suffer execution? Is there another way?” 
 

Sadly, there was not. 
 

So, this ascent to the “mountain top” must have been all the more enlightening and reassuring for Jesus himself. To converse with Moses and Elijah – to audibly hear from his Father, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him”. 
 

Light in the Darkness. Faith in the Doubt. Hope in the Despair. Love in the pain of Grief. 
 

These are a few of the paradoxes we must hold as human beings. Human nature, like nature herself, can hold opposites together, resulting in a more spacious and generous life. 
 

In so many ways, the pandemic and multiple crises of these days have heightened the paradox of luminosity and gloom. We feel doubt, despair, and grief precisely because we know faith, hope, and love. 

The things we see as “gloom” actually affirm the gracious gifts of a full life in Christ. 

Luminosity – Light – Transfiguration. 

May it be so. 

Music of the Transfiguration of the Lord - YouTube