A synopsis of the sermon delivered by the Rev. David L. Hicks at St. Paul’s Reformed Episcopal Church at the 10:30am service on Sunday, The Transfiguration of Christ, January 16, 2005. Please read St. Mark 9:2-13.
When Jesus was transfigured before his disciples, Peter, James and John, it was no doubt a glorious experience. Imagine their amazement as Jesus’ very clothing shone with the splendor of his glory and their wonder at the appearance of the two great figures of the Old Testament, Moses and Elijah. But as wonderful as this event was for those who saw it, one may ask what the significance of this event is for people of our own time. Why does the Holy Spirit find it necessary for us to know about this moment that occurred so many centuries ago?
Although we may be able to list many aspects of this story that provide instruction for believers, I will mention two. The first thing to note is that the story of the transfiguration reminds us that there is no separation between the material and the spiritual realm. Christ’s glory was made known in a very material way. The reality of his glory changed his physical appearance; both in regard to his body and the very clothing he was wearing. God’s presence and truth necessarily have an impact upon the physical world, for God is not locked away in a realm of abstraction and thought. He is the God who became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ and dwelt among us, and his glory was seen by humanity (St. John 1:14). Secondly, we learn that the beauty of religious experience, whether individually or in the context of the common liturgy, directs us to the task of obedience. Peter’s response to the majesty of Christ’s transfiguration was to stay on the mountain top in the presence of such awesome beauty, but the Father spoke to them from the cloud that overshadowed them: “This is my beloved Son. Hear Him!” (St. Mark 9:7). Any perception of Christ and his glory must lead to the obedience of his commands that have been given to us. As Jesus said elsewhere in the Gospels, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (St. John 14:14), and similarly, “Why do you call me Lord and not do the things I say?” (St. Luke 6:46).
May God grant us the eyes of faith, not only to see our Lord, but to hear him; that someday what we now perceive by faith we will see clearly in the presence of our glorious Savior.
Amen.
