Too much of politics caters to our craving miracles; faith is often about finding some magical safe place. But mystical experiences are about real life.
My reflection from reading the Gospel Sunday morning and your very helpful writing was is taken from verse 35 my somewhat paraphrased reflection - "God said Listen." I wrote that on Trinity Wall Street's Facebook Chat sign in for the 11:15 service Sunday. I wasn't sure if it would stay up as it is a monitored sight during the live service. It received the standard acknowledgement . Your description of flying out through a cloud in a storm reminded me of the time that I was flying out of Newark for home when our plane started gyrating wildly/white knuckle type. As an experienced flyer I had experienced turbulence but nothing like this. I could picture the pilot fighting to stay aloft. I was hanging on and praying. FINALLY we straightened out I sighed said a silent/grateful thankyou to the pilot and God. My seat mate a first time flyer asked me if that was a normal take off. I said NO and the Pilot came on and explained that we were too close to the exhaust from the plane ahead of us.!!! A cloud of exhaust? I wondered Sunday also, if my seat mate ever flew again.! I hope so. I did speak to her about what a skilled pilot he was in keeping the plane under control and that I had never experienced anything like that before And I am grateful to not since. Grateful for you and this timely reflection. Prayers for continuing to get well and rest this August. Bonita
This is amazing. This non-lectionary related commentary on the Transfiguration, talking about the cloud, fits so well with the lectionary Gospel for next Sunday which is Matthew 14:22-33 with the disciples in the boat at night in a storm, and Jesus comes to them walking on water. Thanks for this additional food for thought for my Sunday sermon.
Thanks, Dianna, great meditation/reflection! You always get me thinking in new and different ways! So refreshing and inspiring! I particularly found this quote of great interest and intrigue: "Promising miracles is little more than planting seeds of cynicism. You may win an election or grow a church, but I promise: the fruit will be rotten." Of late I've been hearing about the behavior of some pastors and their attitudes regarding the congregation they are called to serve. Seems they think the congregation exists to serve them, not the other way around. Sad really. And troubling. But true. I think what you noted regarding promises, though they do so very indirectly and perhaps don't even know they are doing so! Thanks again for giving me somethings to ponder! Please, keep up this great work for the sake of the rest of us!
What a beautiful and meaningful exhortation to a life of overcoming faith in our current world chaos...”WE are the ones who must be transformed.”. I prayed that prayer many years ago as I began graduate studies for a PhD in Educational Psychology....”God change Me.”. I will pray that prayer again...
Thank you so much for what you’ve given us today! As an 80 year old Catholic I’ve heard or read the Transfiguration story/miracle hundreds of times, but never have I thought about it the way I did today - that we must go into the cloud and listen. We are surrounded by turbulence, which I fear could grow much worse. Thank you for giving us the answer to what to do when our fears of the turbulence overwhelm us: walk into the cloud - and listen. I pray that I will remember when the time comes.
Oh, Diana, you feed my Sabbath soul. I attend church, yes, and I find goodness in the people and the testimonies spoken, but you bring me to ponder deeply, and I feed upon your profound words and the images you use. Thank you so very much.
I appreciate your skepticism regarding miracles, and your ability to still find meaning and poetry in them. It isn’t either/or -- either they are literally true and meaningful, or they are false and meaningless. We can have a middle path, and I think you’ve articulated it beautifully here.
On Aug 6 1945 another cloud overshadowed the earth, and still does. What is God's word from that cloud, to people who look for a hopeful future amidst the terror of atomic weapons? We can God that the two dropped on Japanese civilians are still the only two used. So we also "listen" for the word of the Lord that might transfigure and transform us.
I never thought of the "Transfiguration" as a miracle story. Given Jewish belief in "The Assumption of Moses", his turning up with Elijah is not remarkable as far as that goes. Scholars often call this a proleptic story, anticipating (and perhaps drawing upon) the resurrection encounters to come.
I like to pay special attention to the literary intent of the Gospel writers. The story as it stands originates with the Gospel of Mark following the distressing announcement by Jesus to his disciples of his impending execution . . . and resurrection . . . at which Peter took great offense, followed by Jesus' rebuke of Peter. Moses and Elijah, the Torah and the Prophets, underscore the continuity of Jesus with them. That is an important statement in the context of Jesus' rejection by the Jewish religious leadership, and for Christian Jews subsequently taking the heat. In fact, a central theme in Mark is the willingness of Jesus' followers to "take the heat", a fact of life for those who share in Jesus' baptism. It was the beginning of his coronation as Messiah, but it led to the cross, ignominity, and apparent rejection by God. Yet this was the Messiah his followers were to proclaim. The abrupt conclusion of Mark raises the question whether they would run for cover out of fear or "take the heat."
Luke's situation is different. The Gospel is written for Christians wondering whether Jesus' is ever coming back. Little literary changes focus upon an answer. And even though Luke follows Mark's placement of the Transfiguration and its significance, as in Mark, for that location, Luke makes changes. The Gospel tells us what Moses, Elijah and Jesus were talking about: his "depature". Not his death, but his departure from earth following his resurrection. That's the issue.
In Mark, God declares in terms of two of the epithets at Jesus' baptism who Jesus is: the messianic (Davidic) SON (Psalm 2:7, BUT WITHOUT "Today I have begotten you"!), and the "Beloved", the Septuagint version of "only" occuring only, and three times, in the story of the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22:2, 12, 16; NOTE: This time the Beloved (Only) Son will not be spared!), but without the baptismal allusion to Isaiah 42:1, "in whom my soul delights" = "with whom I am well pleased".
However, Luke dispenses with the Markan/Matthean epithets in favor of "my Chosen" from Isaiah 42:1, a phrase which immediately precedes this. Why? On the one hand, this more emphatically connects Jesus with the Chosen Servant Israel, the salvific role on behalf of the nations of which Jesus fulfills (and Luke has in mind all four of the "Servant Songs", also, 49:1-6; 50:4-11; and especially 52:13-53:12; see Acts 8:27-35). Furthermore, attributing this title to Jesus connects directly with the next declarative statement of the verse, "I have put my Spirit upon him", the same Spirit which will be poured out upon the Apostles and every baptized believer (Acts 2:38). This Jesus promises in lieau of the disciples' questioning when Jesus will return. It establishes with all the baptized the Mission of the Church. It is Luke's emphasis on the baptismal connection. All the same, this Church will be persecuted. Luke, though, has de-emphasized anticipatory fervor over the return of Jesus, in its place focusing on the Church's Mission to the present day and beyond.
For the place of the "cloud" in the story, one should read Exodus 19:16, 18; 20:18, 21; 24:15-18. Both the hiddenness of God and the danger and terror of being in God's presence mentioned, here, is certainly part of the Transfiguration story. So, also, is the graciousness of God inviting entry into that presence for God to impart God's Torah, Covenant and Call, and the fulfillment of that Torah declared in the Person of Jesus, and a "New" Covenant and Call to God's People, an Israel of both Jew and Gentile.
However one may choose to relate to this story, one common denominator in what I have read is that despite the terrors we may endure in answering God's Call, God is there with us, which trumps anything we have cause to fear.
I was thinking in church this morning, looking out the window , and thinking, if trump should get back into the white house we will have to be strong and brave to weather that turmoil . Maybe it would be like going into the cloud terrified. Thank you for the message
Thank you. Maybe Paramahansa Yogananda would be of interest to you, and helpful too, if he isn't already.
Please keep sharing your insights. Mysticism is so alien to American culture, and could be so healing and redemptive, of course.
Was Jesus literally transfigured, or were the disciples' eyes opened to see Christ truly and fully? That prospect scares any of us.
My reflection from reading the Gospel Sunday morning and your very helpful writing was is taken from verse 35 my somewhat paraphrased reflection - "God said Listen." I wrote that on Trinity Wall Street's Facebook Chat sign in for the 11:15 service Sunday. I wasn't sure if it would stay up as it is a monitored sight during the live service. It received the standard acknowledgement . Your description of flying out through a cloud in a storm reminded me of the time that I was flying out of Newark for home when our plane started gyrating wildly/white knuckle type. As an experienced flyer I had experienced turbulence but nothing like this. I could picture the pilot fighting to stay aloft. I was hanging on and praying. FINALLY we straightened out I sighed said a silent/grateful thankyou to the pilot and God. My seat mate a first time flyer asked me if that was a normal take off. I said NO and the Pilot came on and explained that we were too close to the exhaust from the plane ahead of us.!!! A cloud of exhaust? I wondered Sunday also, if my seat mate ever flew again.! I hope so. I did speak to her about what a skilled pilot he was in keeping the plane under control and that I had never experienced anything like that before And I am grateful to not since. Grateful for you and this timely reflection. Prayers for continuing to get well and rest this August. Bonita
This is amazing. This non-lectionary related commentary on the Transfiguration, talking about the cloud, fits so well with the lectionary Gospel for next Sunday which is Matthew 14:22-33 with the disciples in the boat at night in a storm, and Jesus comes to them walking on water. Thanks for this additional food for thought for my Sunday sermon.
Thanks, Dianna, great meditation/reflection! You always get me thinking in new and different ways! So refreshing and inspiring! I particularly found this quote of great interest and intrigue: "Promising miracles is little more than planting seeds of cynicism. You may win an election or grow a church, but I promise: the fruit will be rotten." Of late I've been hearing about the behavior of some pastors and their attitudes regarding the congregation they are called to serve. Seems they think the congregation exists to serve them, not the other way around. Sad really. And troubling. But true. I think what you noted regarding promises, though they do so very indirectly and perhaps don't even know they are doing so! Thanks again for giving me somethings to ponder! Please, keep up this great work for the sake of the rest of us!
What a beautiful and meaningful exhortation to a life of overcoming faith in our current world chaos...”WE are the ones who must be transformed.”. I prayed that prayer many years ago as I began graduate studies for a PhD in Educational Psychology....”God change Me.”. I will pray that prayer again...
Thank you so much for what you’ve given us today! As an 80 year old Catholic I’ve heard or read the Transfiguration story/miracle hundreds of times, but never have I thought about it the way I did today - that we must go into the cloud and listen. We are surrounded by turbulence, which I fear could grow much worse. Thank you for giving us the answer to what to do when our fears of the turbulence overwhelm us: walk into the cloud - and listen. I pray that I will remember when the time comes.
Oh, Diana, you feed my Sabbath soul. I attend church, yes, and I find goodness in the people and the testimonies spoken, but you bring me to ponder deeply, and I feed upon your profound words and the images you use. Thank you so very much.
Very helpful for these turbulent times. Gives me hope. Thanks.
I appreciate your skepticism regarding miracles, and your ability to still find meaning and poetry in them. It isn’t either/or -- either they are literally true and meaningful, or they are false and meaningless. We can have a middle path, and I think you’ve articulated it beautifully here.
Dianna - rest, recuperate, have a time of re-creation as you practice rec-reation. We will be here upon your return....
Beautiful Diana and just what my soul needed today. The clouds can be so frightening. I want to listen. Love your words below.
“Learning to navigate amid the storm is what is needed.
Don’t cling to what dazzles, all those glittering images. On Transfiguration Sunday, God comes in the clouds: listen.”
Beautiful perspective and the first time I've heard this scene explained this way. Be still, be quiet. Listen. Even in the storm.
On Aug 6 1945 another cloud overshadowed the earth, and still does. What is God's word from that cloud, to people who look for a hopeful future amidst the terror of atomic weapons? We can God that the two dropped on Japanese civilians are still the only two used. So we also "listen" for the word of the Lord that might transfigure and transform us.
I never thought of the "Transfiguration" as a miracle story. Given Jewish belief in "The Assumption of Moses", his turning up with Elijah is not remarkable as far as that goes. Scholars often call this a proleptic story, anticipating (and perhaps drawing upon) the resurrection encounters to come.
I like to pay special attention to the literary intent of the Gospel writers. The story as it stands originates with the Gospel of Mark following the distressing announcement by Jesus to his disciples of his impending execution . . . and resurrection . . . at which Peter took great offense, followed by Jesus' rebuke of Peter. Moses and Elijah, the Torah and the Prophets, underscore the continuity of Jesus with them. That is an important statement in the context of Jesus' rejection by the Jewish religious leadership, and for Christian Jews subsequently taking the heat. In fact, a central theme in Mark is the willingness of Jesus' followers to "take the heat", a fact of life for those who share in Jesus' baptism. It was the beginning of his coronation as Messiah, but it led to the cross, ignominity, and apparent rejection by God. Yet this was the Messiah his followers were to proclaim. The abrupt conclusion of Mark raises the question whether they would run for cover out of fear or "take the heat."
Luke's situation is different. The Gospel is written for Christians wondering whether Jesus' is ever coming back. Little literary changes focus upon an answer. And even though Luke follows Mark's placement of the Transfiguration and its significance, as in Mark, for that location, Luke makes changes. The Gospel tells us what Moses, Elijah and Jesus were talking about: his "depature". Not his death, but his departure from earth following his resurrection. That's the issue.
In Mark, God declares in terms of two of the epithets at Jesus' baptism who Jesus is: the messianic (Davidic) SON (Psalm 2:7, BUT WITHOUT "Today I have begotten you"!), and the "Beloved", the Septuagint version of "only" occuring only, and three times, in the story of the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22:2, 12, 16; NOTE: This time the Beloved (Only) Son will not be spared!), but without the baptismal allusion to Isaiah 42:1, "in whom my soul delights" = "with whom I am well pleased".
However, Luke dispenses with the Markan/Matthean epithets in favor of "my Chosen" from Isaiah 42:1, a phrase which immediately precedes this. Why? On the one hand, this more emphatically connects Jesus with the Chosen Servant Israel, the salvific role on behalf of the nations of which Jesus fulfills (and Luke has in mind all four of the "Servant Songs", also, 49:1-6; 50:4-11; and especially 52:13-53:12; see Acts 8:27-35). Furthermore, attributing this title to Jesus connects directly with the next declarative statement of the verse, "I have put my Spirit upon him", the same Spirit which will be poured out upon the Apostles and every baptized believer (Acts 2:38). This Jesus promises in lieau of the disciples' questioning when Jesus will return. It establishes with all the baptized the Mission of the Church. It is Luke's emphasis on the baptismal connection. All the same, this Church will be persecuted. Luke, though, has de-emphasized anticipatory fervor over the return of Jesus, in its place focusing on the Church's Mission to the present day and beyond.
For the place of the "cloud" in the story, one should read Exodus 19:16, 18; 20:18, 21; 24:15-18. Both the hiddenness of God and the danger and terror of being in God's presence mentioned, here, is certainly part of the Transfiguration story. So, also, is the graciousness of God inviting entry into that presence for God to impart God's Torah, Covenant and Call, and the fulfillment of that Torah declared in the Person of Jesus, and a "New" Covenant and Call to God's People, an Israel of both Jew and Gentile.
However one may choose to relate to this story, one common denominator in what I have read is that despite the terrors we may endure in answering God's Call, God is there with us, which trumps anything we have cause to fear.
I was thinking in church this morning, looking out the window , and thinking, if trump should get back into the white house we will have to be strong and brave to weather that turmoil . Maybe it would be like going into the cloud terrified. Thank you for the message