Holy Wisdom Church
Jesus had been warning his followers that he had to go to Jerusalem, where he would suffer and be put to death. His followers would not hear of it because the Messiah was supposed to free his chosen people, not die. What was this message Jesus was trying to foist upon them?
Scripture
says that Jesus took just these three—Peter, James, and John—up a mountain, we
can presume to pray. Was Jesus himself not sure that going to Jerusalem, and
all that meant, was what God wanted him to do? It is possible that God sent
Moses and Elijah to assure Jesus the path he saw for himself was indeed what
needed to be done. Jesus, being human,
needed strength to carry out his mission, so he prayed often. This possible
uncertainty happened earlier in Jesus’ public ministry. Towards the end, He was
still praying in Gethsemani that his suffering and death could pass. It is a
mystery that he would not know for sure what was being asked. How much more so it
is for us: to not be sure if our own choices in day-to-day living are the
best.
Pray and
listen.
It is
possible Moses and Elijah were sent for the disciples’ benefit. The law,
symbolized by Moses, and Elijah, symbolizing the prophets who so often spoke
for God, prepared the way for Jesus. Being transfigured and then hearing God’s
words to listen to, Jesus should leave no doubt in the three men, in spite of
their incredulity, that their beliefs were being fulfilled. Think how difficult, how terrifying, to
realize one’s beliefs might not be true.
Jesus’ words
of comfort “Do not be afraid” are meant for us as well.
In these
troubled times, are we afraid? Hopefully we have been inspired to pray and
reflect on the meaning of our lives, since for some, it has been drastically
difficult. It is so encouraging to hear of people going out of their way to
help others in so many different ways. It is distressing to hear of the many
ways, too, of harm being done to the other.
Being quiet,
being still, and listening for God to speak to us is a benefit that can come
from this pandemic to help us in our metanoia. This morning’s first reading told
us that God was not in the strong wind, or the earthquake, or the fire; but in
the silence, Elijah did experience God. Do not be afraid of the silence.
Be open to
the ways God is inviting you to grow. Recognize the goodness of the person God
has created us to be. First find God within yourself. Then we can more easily
find God everywhere else.
Do not be afraid of studying scripture, to
attempt to understand what Jesus was trying to teach us. Study life itself to find God in all things.
We can find God in the whirlwind, in fire, in earthquakes, and in all of
creation, even this pandemic. How much more can we find God in humans, who are
made in God’s image and likeness.
First, we
have to find God within ourselves. Then we can more easily find God everywhere
else.
God is in our midst!
