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February 26, 2006

Fred Heard - Feb 26 2006

February 26, 2006 Sermon - Transfiguration Sunday
Father Fred Heard

Mark 9:2-9

Many of us have been out with friends and in today’s Gospel; Jesus is out with Peter, James, and John. We can relate to his need to be with friends. In this story, so far, nothing is particularly extraordinary. It was not unusual for Jesus to get away from the crowds so he could pray or be by himself.

So they are alone—but after that, things are not so ordinary. Jesus is transfigured. The dictionary defines transfiguration in this way: “the change in the appearance of Christ on the mountain.” Transfigure is defined: “to change in outward form or appearance; transform, change, or alter.” I explained Transfiguration to our children at Trinity School a couple of weeks ago and we came up with the idea that Jesus glowed like a light bulb. But let’s get a little more theological and look at The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church and what it has to say about Transfiguration: “The appearing of the Lord in glory during His earthly life…” Transfiguration is considered one of the more difficult sermon topics because frankly, it is hard to explain. The kids are satisfied with the light bulb and perhaps we should be also—but wait—lets explore this topic for a few moments. “His clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them.” You know my mother and many mothers spent their whole lives washing clothes on Monday morning and soaking them the night before and on those Mondays putting just the right amount of bleach or bluing in the water to make sure the clothes glowed and here we learn that Jesus’ clothes were so white that no amount of bleach or bluing could equal them. That is really out of the ordinary and out of this world. On top of it, the White King lady or the FAB mothers didn’t even drop by—out of this world and that is the intent of the story. While the famous celluloid laundry room helpers didn’t come by, guess who did? It was the great law giver, Moses and a top prophet, Elijah. They are there to show just what a big deal Transfiguration really was. They paid their respects to Jesus. Peter, James, and John were terrified. Even though Peter is afraid, he does speak up. He suggests erecting three shrines to commemorate the event! This is getting to be a big deal. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!”

And isn’t it interesting that as humans, we always need some story of our own choosing like mine about my mother to put God’s work into perspective? Do you think God finds that strange? Do you think God finds it unusual when we need proof that he really is among us and that he sent his son as our Savior? Well, I don’t think so when we consider the fact that he sent references for Jesus in the persons of Moses and Elijah…and for good measure he spoke to the three witnesses: Peter, James, and John…”This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” And this is not the first time God sent a messenger to proclaim Jesus ministry—recall John the Baptist and his ministry.
And then as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus said to his three friends that they should not breath a word of what happened until after the “Son of Man had risen from the dead.” In this morning’s epistle, Peter announced they had been eyewitnesses of his majesty as they stood on that mountain and they had heard the voice of God as he proclaimed that Jesus was his Son. That is a big deal.

Transfiguration had changed forever the lives of Peter, James, and John…and even though it is often not understood, it has changed the lives of all of those who are Brothers and Sisters in Christ in 2006. Peter, James, and John had been given a glimpse into the future and through them, so have you. Jesus suffering and death were ahead. Our Lord had predicted his death a few days earlier. There was doubt—there was fear about what was ahead. Transfiguration allowed them to look beyond. It would all return—but they were being given a foundation for all eternity. For only a brief moment, God had opened the door to the end of time. They looked through that door and were never the same again.

If you could see how everything turns out in the end, would it affect your view of the present? Many doctors, nurses, hospice workers, EMT’s, clergy have reported that certain people appear to have died and later come back to life—having had what is called a “near death experience.” Perhaps someone in this room has either known a person who has had such an experience or they have personally been a part of a near death event. Some people have reported visits from Jesus or family members who have died. Almost always, these folks report a great sense of peace and an overwhelming wish to stay where they are. These experiences have no regard for denomination or any other earthly classification.

Some years ago, the television show “Murphy Brown” had an episode where Murphy asked the staff about their God thoughts. There were different responses. But the comments of the character Jim stand out. He said he was a Presbyterian and went to church every Sunday with his wife. He said, "I haven't had any experience of God. I go because it is obvious to me that the people who attend are experiencing God, and I am hoping that one day I will too." I wonder if we have any “Jims” in our pews.
Great things have happened on mountains. We encounter our Almighty God. We encounter our faith’s heritage. We hear God’s voice. The Glory of God is revealed. So how can we arrange to be on that certain mountaintop to experience these incredible events? The answer is we cannot. We must wait just like Jim. But remember this, Peter, James, and John were invited. Nine of the Disciples were not invited…perhaps some were ready and some were not.

Just like children who hear talk about what the dessert is going to be after dinner and who want it now, we must wait for what comes at the end. We must do our work, we cannot second guess God. If we can go right to the mountain, we have missed the preparation and our work. Our faith will be unhealthy…and that is why those who are always predicting the end of the world or who are actually selling their worldly possessions and going to some field or mountain top are still out there waiting. Transfiguration is a part of our preparation. It is a part of the dessert.

One day, we will be invited to the mountaintop. But first we must be available. Peter, James, and John were already in the company of Jesus—they were ready. You can be in the company of Jesus right here in Trinity church with your community. We must learn all we can about our faith. Lent begins soon. There are plenty of opportunities to study the Bible and to experience the spiritual life during these weeks of Lent. We do not know how Peter, James, and John recognized Moses and Elijah—but they did. Much of the mountaintop experience would have been lost if they had not been well grounded in their faith. They knew how important these men were. Only twice in the gospels do we have evidence of God speaking—once at the Baptism of Jesus and once during the Transfiguration. We continue to hear God though as we study scripture and as we hear the voice of other Christians and as we listen to Jesus. Our work is not on the mountaintop—it is surely in the valley…and that is where the church is because we exist primarily for those outside our walls. Jesus says…”Go…make disciples.”

Finally, as you prepare to climb the mountain, come to this place each week with joy as you prepare to meet Jesus Christ. Do not come to His holy place with the idea of meeting someone you would rather not see. Do not come with the idea that you are tired of that creed that does not speak to you. Do not come with the idea of not singing a hymn you don’t like or mumbling through a prayer without thought, or suffering through a sermon. Be available in mind, body, and spirit for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Martin Luther King, Jr. preached his last sermon about the mountaintop the night before he died April 3, 1968: …and I close with his prophecy: “I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountain top. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.” AMEN