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Matthew 17:5 - "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!"

 

This Gospel passage is being proclaimed throughout the whole to remind us of our identity in Christ to  "listen to him" and establish Jesus as the supreme authority whose teachings must be followed above all others. The question is, Do we still listen to Jesus, not talk or listen to each other on the same journey of faith?

Therefore, this week, as we begin our Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday. The prophetic presence of two major Old Testament figures, Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) from this Gospel, help us to see the efficacy of His revelation as the anointed One who has come for humanity to be recognized as the Saviour of the world. 

However, the brokenness in our world has not allowed us to see that clear vision about who Jesus is, also in the way we see each other. Nevertheless, Transfiguration Sunday shares a liturgical and pastoral purpose for this reason. It reminds us of our true nature in Christ as we begin our Lenten journey, to us look up Jesus who makes Himself as the living sacrifice for us. It is appropriate for us therefore that the theme of this glorious revelation emphasises the hope of our salvation at Easter prefigured in the Transfiguration rather than concentrating on the Feast of the Transfiguration itself, which is observed on August 6th.  Transfiguration  is seen as a "foretaste" of the Resurrection, strengthening the disciples' faith (and our faith too!), so that we would all remember the significance of His divine majesty even during the darkness of the crucifixion, or wherever we carry our cross to follow Him.

And it is my prayer that as we begin this Lenten journey this year, may we have the hearts and minds to see and listen to Jesus with His message of hope and salvation in our broken world. 

 

Thanks be to God. Amen.

 

Rev Wilson