The Transfiguration is a momentary glimpse of reality

Sermon preached in Lincoln Cathedral by the Dean, the Very Revd Philip Buckler, at the Sung Eucharist on the Sunday next before Lent, 19^th February 2012

The account of Christ’s Transfiguration on the mountain [Mark 9.2-9] is a glorious story that stands on its own. Jesus takes his three close companions away from the crowds and they see him, as we might say, in his true colours. The dazzling white of intense glory envelops him and alongside him appear Elijah and Moses – representing both the Law and the Prophets of old. Interestingly enough in Mark’s Gospel Elijah is mentioned before Moses, whilst Matthew and Luke (traditionally thought to use Mark’s earlier account) reverse the order to harmonise Moses and Elijah with the Law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah). But perhaps in Mark’s mind is the reference to Elijah as the forerunner to come again before the Messiah. Or we might think of Elijah being taken into heaven (as in our first reading 2 Kings 2.1-12). For the Transfiguration foreshadows Jesus’ own departing – albeit through a starkly real human death. But before that, here we see Jesus declared as the one who shares in the glory of God.I say this story stands on its own, but of course it does not stand alone, for it has many strands leading to it and from it. In the previous chapter [Mark 8.29] we heard the dramatic confession of Peter in response to Jesus’ question Who do people say that I am? Peter replies You are the Messiah.

At the Transfiguration we hear the divine confession in the voice that comes from heaven This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him. So Jesus is affirmed by both God and man.

Immediately of course we think of the previous time when such words have been heard – following the baptism of Jesus as he came out of the river that divine voice was heard saying: You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.  The divine voice on that occasion was speaking to Jesus himself, now it addresses his followers. And each time it signifies a new chapter unfolding. For Jesus the voice came as he was to begin his public ministry; for his disciples it came as he was about to set his face towards  Jerusalem and the inevitable conflict and death that awaited him.

Of course the events on the mountain top recall the meetings between Moses and God on Sinai. Here again is the idea of shining in reflected glory – you will recall how Moses’ face shone so that he had to keep it veiled on his return.[Exodus 34.29f]  That is the image that Paul picked up in our second reading [2 Corinthians 4.3-6] when he spoke of the Gospel being ‘veiled’ by the god of this world – our sinful self-centredness which blinds us to the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

The Transfiguration is a momentary glimpse of reality, when eyes, hearts and minds are stripped of all that distracts us in our everyday life, and when we catch sight of that light of God who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Here Jesus is seen in the company he keeps – with Elijah, Moses and of course God the Father. Very shortly we shall see him again in other company he keeps, with two criminals hanging on a trio of crosses. For there too we see him enthroned in a different sort of glory – for there we see God’s love shining out in real darkness and despair. We see Jesus identifying fully with humanity in all its weakness: he is despised and rejected – a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

Yet Transfiguration speaks also of the future hope of humanity sharing in God’s glory. So today we look at an event rich in meaning and symbolism – looking back to past moments and reaching out to the future. A moment of glory to inspire hope and sustain Christ’s followers in the times of trial which lie ahead.

Our collect holds these ideas together when we pray to God the 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…

That collect is for today, the Sunday before Lent, as we look to the coming season for change in ourselves, a time to grow closer to God, to grow more into that likeness of Christ.

Even though we hear the divine voice or glimpse the divine meaning it is never easily understood.  Peter, having made his confession of faith, shows how little he understands its implications when moments later Jesus says to him Get behind me Satan. Then on the mountain top again it is Peter who is confused by all they witness and who makes a lame suggestion of marking this moment with three tents. Humanity’s glimpse of the divine can so easily be misunderstood: that is why we need to wait upon God and listen attentively for his meaning.

Lent gives us that opportunity – a time less to do than to listen; a time less to struggle with faith than to let go of much around us; a time to allow God’s glory to shine in our lives: a time for transfiguration – the gift of God rather than a prize earned by devotion.

The Transfiguration stands on its own as a story  – but relates to everything else. Lent too stands on its own, but if it is to be effective it too must relate to everything else that we do day by day.

Traditionally Lent is a time of discipline – you may want to climb the mountain yourself  (or at least climb up Steep Hill to this Cathedral)  and make a point of being here at one or more of our weekday services during Lent.  Perhaps at the 8am Holy Communion come and be present as were Peter James and John, when Jesus showed himself to them. Come up this mountain and spend time in the presence of Christ as he makes himself known to us, and  find your day and yourself transfigured by the glory of God into his likeness in whose image we are made.