Since the Reformation, Lutherans have read the story of the Transfiguration on the last Sunday of Epiphany. The Transfiguration seemed a proper end to a season that celebrated the manifestation of Jesus as the Christ. Peter, James and John see a transformed Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah. The Evangelist Luke remarks, “Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’– not knowing what he said” (Luke 9:33).  Peter wanted to hang on to this wonderful moment and not go back to the hardships of every day life. I understand Peter’s reaction. Only a week before Jesus had told them, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” And “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Visions on a mountain sound much better than suffering and being killed or taking up a cross, but that wasn’t Christ’s way. His way led down the mountain, back into the difficulties of life and to Calvary.

“Alleluia, Song of Gladness,” the traditional hymn for the Sunday before lent begins reminds us of this theme as it bids farewell to the “alleluia.”

Read Luke 9:28-36, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne

Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+9%3A28-36&version=NRSV