I realize that this post is a couple of weeks late, but the more I work through our lenten journey at our church the more importance Transfiguration Day takes. I have come to appreciate the placement of the story of the Transfiguration in the Gospels in a completely different way since becoming a pastor. A few days prior Jesus instructed the disciples concerning his death and resurrection. Also, he instructed them about the life that they are called to live – a life of cross-bearing. Surely, there was confusion and discouragement among the disciples. This was not what they signed up for. They left their employment to follow the triumphant son of David who was going to rid Israel of the yoke of Rome. They didn’t follow Jesus that he might be killed. So in some respects the Transfiguration before James, John, and Peter was an event of encouragement. Coming down the mount meant the way of to Jerusalem, the way of the cross. Thus, they needed to see that the one who was going to die, and who was instructing them to carry their cross as well, was the glorious One, the Son of God. Only with witnessing this would their feeble hearts be able to continue the way to Jerusalem with Jesus. And it was only in seeing this that they could have some idea of or confidence in Jesus’ words of resurrection.
We too are as feeble as the disciples, constantly needing encouragement as we follow the way of the cross this Lent and everyday. And the primary place that we receive our encouragement is to join with the saints in liturgy on Sundays (Resurrection Day). Here the veil is slightly removed as we join in the praises of heaven, hear God’s Word, pray together and dine at the Table. Maybe this is one reason Sunday’s are not counted in the days of Lent. Sunday’s almost become little Transfiguration Days along the pilgrim way to the cross.
