As he was praying, …his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendour, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Luke 9 : 29 – 30
Readings this week Exodus 34 : 29 – end; 2 Corinthians 3 : 12 – 4 : 2; Luke 9 : 28 - 36
Thought for this week
Our Gospel reading today features Jesus’ Transfiguration. A truly spectacular, immensely powerful, life – changing and clearly divine event that leaves the disciples awestruck and overwhelmed. Yet amidst this revelation of Jesus’ power and authority there is a uniquely human touch. Referring to Peter’s on the spot suggestion of making shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah, Luke the Gospel writer adds, ‘He did not know what he was saying’.
It is a detail that includes us all in the awesomeness and brilliance of the event. In many ways it is this detail that points to all that will happen as Jesus journeys to Jerusalem. As we begin the season of Lent this week, we begin our own journey to remember and relive the events beginning with Jesus’ temptation and His eventual arrest, crucifixion and subsequent rising from the dead.
Peter’s weakness, clumsiness, and sheer humanity reminds us amidst Jesus’ glory that this was His sacrifice for us. For our own sinful, stumbling humanity. For each of us in our confused, often fearful lives. For us who rely so completely on the compassion, grace and love of Jesus. This is our Good Shepherd, whose heart is open to us, whose arms are stretched wide for us, who offers forgiveness, welcome and joy in Him. Praise Him!
Rev Paul
People to pray for
For Kalum and his family
For our praises, prayers and worship today
For those who need Jesus’ assurance and peace.
Prayers for this week
Almighty Father, whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross: give us grace to perceive his glory, that we may be strengthened to suffer with him and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Holy God, you know the disorder of our sinful lives: set straight our crooked hearts, and bend our wills to love your goodness and your glory in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Transfiguration Prayer
Holy One, We come before you, many of us feeling like we have climbed just a part of the mountain, and there is so much more of a climb left to even get to point to dream that we might be dazzled by what is Divine.
Our loads are heavy, with worry, with regret, with fatigue, with illness, with despair for all in the world that is hurting, in danger, in bondage and more.
We trudge ahead, following you, stumbling, hoping, praying... breathing hard, hearts pounding, and yes,even some of us are nimble and skipping.
Lead us Lord, to the top of that mountain, where we might be dazzled by your Light, lifted by what is Divine, filled by the sheer delight of what is numinous and ethereal and grounded and real. We pray this, for ourselves, for one another,and for the worlds in which we live in. Amen.
~ written by rev karla, and posted on RevGalBlogPals. http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.ca/