Dear Harbor Friends,
Grace and peace to you, Beloved Ones! We are moving from a short season of Epiphany into the season of Lent. But before we consider our mortality, we are invited to experience a radiant cloud on top of a high mountain, an appearance changed, and The Voice of God. Transfiguration is Sunday, February 11.
The picture of the mountain was one my son took in Big Sky, Montana, before Christmas. He was on a tram going to the top, 11,000 feet, and captures the sunlight bouncing off this dazzling cloud and the snow below. The contrast is so great it almost looks like a black-and-white picture! It’s hard to look at, it’s so bright. I’m thinking this might approach the brightness Peter, James, and John experienced!
This account in Mark offers us a look at a supernatural transformation. Up on the high mountain with Peter, James, and John, Jesus was transfigured right before them. What does that mean? At the very least, Jesus began to sparkle, dazzle, shine! In that moment Elijah and Moses appeared. It was a moment for sure. Peter was very excited, terrified – who wouldn’t be? And then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice said, “This is my Son, marked by love. Listen to him.” (Mk. 9:7 The Message). Just as suddenly, Jesus and the three were alone again on top of the mountain.
As I reflect on this passage, I hear echoes of Jesus’ baptism all over it. The bright, dazzling white reminds me of being washed clean, made clean anew. The voice came at baptism as well, naming a beloved son with whom God was well pleased. We know without a doubt that Jesus is the son of God, sharing in God’s glory. We’ve been invited into this same love, this same parent-child relationship. God claims us as God’s own in our baptism. We are washed clean, and we are marked by God’s love. Our community promises to walk with us in this newness of life, to raise us up. We promised to encourage one another and hold each other accountable. At our baptism, and even when we take a moment to “remember” our baptism perhaps we are transfigured, maybe even shine a bit brighter.
I like that this “light” comes as we move from the Epiphany star/light to the ashes of Lent. There’s a flash of light that dazzles, reassures, and reminds us God is calling us into a relationship, even as he had with Jesus. We are God’s children. We are shining in the same light. God claims us, protects us, and loves us. This is a good thing to hold onto as we go into the Lenten season. Before we look deeply into our souls for what should change or be left behind, let us first remember whose we are. And know that we are deeply loved for exactly who we are created to be.
Kate Bowler reminds us in her prayer “for this overwhelming day”:
“Slow me down, God.
Place your hand upon me
And steady the racing of my heart.
Take this weight from my shoulders,
And pry these to-dos from my fingers.
Deepen my breath and still my mind
So that I can remember whose hands
really do keep the stars hung in space.
. . .
Blessed am I,
Beginning to recognize that my edges
As well as my gifts can shape
The natural contours
Of what is mine to hold,
and mine to do.
God will take car of all
That you can’t dear one.
And you, too.
The Lives We Actually Have 2023, Bowler and Ritchie
Before we start pulling ourselves apart, searching, may we know we are cared for, and that we are always being transformed by the One who made us and holds us as beloved.
Peace,
Tara
*photo credits – Big Sky, Montana – Everett Lain