Today we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ. The Gospel sets before us the account of how the divine glory of our Lord Jesus Christ was revealed in part to his disciples on Mount Tabor.
Today’s Scripture readings lead us into the mystery that almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all things, is both greater and altogether other than his immeasurable creation, yet also closer to each one of us than we are to ourselves. He who holds billions of galaxies in existence and directs the course of things even where our best telescopes cannot see is nevertheless with us at every moment and desires us to be with him.
Moses encountered God in the burning bush, in a place so holy that he had to remove his sandals. “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5) This encounter filled Moses with awe and humility. God’s holiness is so overwhelming that a human being cannot approach it as though it were ordinary.
Peter, James and John experienced something similar on Mount Tabor. They saw Jesus transfigured, his face shining like the sun and his clothes white as light. They heard the Father’s voice from heaven: “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5) The revelation was so powerful that they fell face down and were overcome by fear. St Peter writes that in their apostolic ministry he and his companions did not follow cleverly devised myths, but had been eyewitnesses of Christ’s majesty (2 Peter 1:16).
Welcome to meet the Lord at St Elizabeth’s Church today at 10:00, when Deacon Hanno Saks will preach and coffee will follow, and at 18:00!
