Notes of the comments I made this morning at St Johns United Church; the readings were
Exodus 34: 29 – 35 The shining face of Moses
Luke 9: 28 – 36 The transfiguration
As I often do I split my comments into sections so the actual ~”sermon” part appear less. A row of asterisks indicate the sub sections.
The hymns this morning have been chosen to echo the idea of the transfiguration which is the topic for today – the Sunday next before Lent. The transfiguration has its own festival on 6th August each year but that is often not on a Sunday so can easily be missed in weekly services. It is a well known account but I discovered this week that according to legend it took place on Mount Tabor – 17 miles south of here – a small hamlet above Halifax which has a Methodist Chapel.
One of the key things about the transfiguration is the concept of light that this brings and the radiance of the glory of God – and our first hymn picks up on that theme: Shine Jesus shine: it reminds us that Jesus was truly divine and we look for God’s mercy to reach out in this troubled world.
We are expressing the hope that God’s values will be seen in us as we shine out.
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The Old Testament reading would have been in the minds of those who recorded the transfiguration. And the account tells us that Moses who had been in the presence of God was visibly altered by that experience. So much so that as sunglasses had not been invented he had to cover his face.
I am sure we all know the account of the transfiguration very well and you will have heard a lot of sermons about this event so today I want to concentrate our thoughts on what God said.
‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’
In these times of war and uncertainty, especially Ukraine, although there has been much fighting elsewhere around the world for a long time, it is right that we consider the concept of God in what is happening. God is telling us to listen to Jesus.
There is also an echo in those words of another time when God spoke from the heavens concerning Jesus – and said the same: his baptism. At the start of his public ministry on earth and now as he is entering the last few days of that time on earth prior to his death, burial, resurrection and then ascension. God had confidence in Jesus as he was entering the next key stage of his work.
The disciples did understand after the resurrection when they realised that death was no incompatible with the idea of God. The Jews nor Moslems still can not accept that God – in the person of Jesus – could die.
Both passages indicate a changed appearance from being close to God. We may not physically glow but are there signs that we have been in the presence of Jesus.
The Swiftley pass the clouds of glory – 260 in Singing the Faith) has these words in verse 2:
But by following the saviour through the valley to the cross
And by testing faith’s resilience through betrayal, pain and loss.
And then in the last verse
Lord, transfigure our perception with the purest light that shines,
And recast our life’s intentions to the shape of your designs
Are we reflecting the light that is Jesus?
Is Jesus shining through us?
Are we faithful when all around us is pain or loss? How are we feeling about world events?
How might we hear Jesus?
Some suggestions – you may have others that work for you so do not be offended if I mss your favourite out – just let me know.
Read/study the bible – individually or together
Meditate
Pray
Reflect on your own spiritual experiences
Fellowship – as we share we may learn from each other
Check church history to see what has been done before
Could we not say that this is all about spending more time in the presence of God?
This week it is Ash Wednesday and for the five following weeks we have a Lent Course here at led by Colin Buchanan. My liturgy tutor and the Bishop who officiated at the service when I was first admitted to the office of Reader and licensed to preach and teach as an authorised minister in the Anglican Church.
Can I encourage you to consider joining in with this as a way of deepening our faith and our commitment to God?
But whatever wee can do may we each one be more willing to listen to Jesus as God commanded 2000 years ago. Amen.
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I have posed a number of questions and one answer is to walk in the light of God, follow God and trust God.
How do we do that? Each has their own approach. But basically it is being true to what has been revealed to us and living out in love and faith. Love to all and faith in God to sustain and keep and uphold us whatever may befall.
Our final hymn – one I first cam across 50 years ago in William Street Mission Hall in Swindon – emphasises the aspect of light again. As we walk in the light it will be evidence to the world that we believe in God and that God is still in the world today, through us and our actions.
Walk, walk, in the light.
A Reader Reflects 