We have two stories from Luke this week: the Transfiguration and Jesus’ Lament for Jerusalem. The Catholic Lectionary in the Second Sunday of Lent always has the story of the Transfiguration. This year is Luke’s year, so we get 9:29-36. Jesus takes Peter and James and John to a mountain top to pray. The disciples just had a lot of information thrown at them: Peter named Jesus as the Anointed One of God; Jesus predicted his death and resurrection for the first time; and they are given a harsh understanding of discipleship, taking up one’s cross and losing one’s life. Walking up a mountain has a tendency to put me in a contemplative mood, but I seldom start the journey with that kind of baggage.
When they get to the top, the disciples are very sleepy – “weighed down with sleep,” the NRSV tells us. Through their half-closed eyelids, they glimpse the divine. Jesus is transformed, flashing with light, and talks with Moses and Elijah, the Law and the Prophets personified. What do you do with that? Peter suggests what many of us would: he wants to move in, stay on that mountain top and never leave. Jesus has other ideas.
Jesus gets on with the mission, but the Transfiguration was a turning point. Up to now, his ministry hovered around the Sea of Galilee, but now he is heading toward Jerusalem and his final destiny. It is on that road that we come to our passage from the Revised Common Lectionary used by Protestants, Luke 13:31-35.
Jesus is teaching and preaching as he nears Jerusalem. Some Pharisees tell him to move along because Herod is going to kill him. Some say this is a warning, but others say it is a taunt. In any case, Jesus responds, “Herod knows where to find me. I have work to do.” Or something like that. Jesus has gone from the mountain top to the dark depths of the ocean, where the politics of power and the sting of loss and death hold sway. This is the journey we all have to make at some point.
Please join us this Sunday, 11am at Kidd Springs Rec Center, as we talk about the experience of the mountain top and what to do with it.
Grace & Peace,
Scott
Family Fun Night
Prepare dinner and drinks for the children and their families plus the number of volunteers that will be providing the meal. (50 people usually attend not counting volunteers. Many are children.
Volunteers are invited and encouraged to eat with the families to learn about their experiences in Project Transformation.
The interns at the site usually pick a theme for the night and decorate
and plan activities around the theme.