02-12-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
February 12, 2023
In this morning’s sermon, I will be focusing on what is called the Transfiguration story. In Matthew’s Gospel, it is found in chapter 17. The story describes Jesus taking three of the disciples up a mountain where Jesus is transformed while two other figures appear: Moses and Elijah. They had been dead for a long time, so why did they suddenly make an appearance that day? I don’t know if anyone can answer the question with absolute certainty, but Moses and Elijah represented the story of the faithful—Moses as the giver of the Torah and Elijah as the voice of the prophets. One of them provided the people with an understanding of how to live faithfully, while the other called people to repent (change) from their failure to live faithfully. Jesus was depicted as conversing with these two, as if to suggest that Jesus’ ministry continues this long tradition. And this makes sense. Jesus provided a pretty clear picture of what faithful living looks like while calling us to repent (change) from our failures to live as he taught. If your life is like mine, both are needed. When I fall short, I need the model and someone to correct me and get me back on track. I think this is sort of the task of the church today. Hopefully, we are providing a clear picture of the life Jesus called us to live, and when the world ain’t doing so good, we invite the world to make a change and start living a life of grace, mercy, kindness, and justice.

​Wherever I need to pause, make a change, and realign myself with you, O Lord, I pray for the help and encouragement of the Living Christ. And wherever the church itself needs to realign itself with the heart of the Gospel, may your Spirit be the guide. Amen.