The Transfiguration

Matthew 17: 1-7

17 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved;[b] with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.”


A Pastoral Letter for Difficult Days:

Jesus gently touches us, consoling us saying “Get up and do not be afraid.”

I am writing this reflection after receiving the news of the shooting in Tumbler Ridge. B.C, where nine people died, most of whom were teenagers. We cannot imagine the trauma, grief, shock and deep loss the families, students, teachers and community of 2500 persons must be feeling. Yet, we are also shocked and grieved. Like Lowville, I am sure many of these small-town families have deep and entwined roots. We live in Ontario and we all feel so saddened that such an awful tragedy has happened in our beloved country. I question the sense of security that I feel, that I sometimes take for granted. I feel a bit vulnerable. I feel a tiny bit afraid.

Typically, when reflecting on the transfiguration of Jesus, I tend to focus on the luminous moment of Jesus being revealed in glory with his face and clothing transformed, along with the presence of Moses and Elijah. But, today, I find comfort in God who speaks to the confused and bewildered disciples, after the luminous moment. We are told that after the transfiguration, the disciples were awestruck and confused. Suddenly, they are enveloped in a cloud and a voice says to them “This is my son the Beloved, with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” We are told the disciples were overwhelmed with fear. Jesus responded by coming and touching them, saying “do not be afraid.”

On hard days such as these, I find comfort in Jesus who gently touches us, confused disciples, saying “do not be afraid”. It is as if he is our lighthouse, a beacon on a rocky shore, that reminds us that everything will be okay, as we navigate our current storm of emotions. God is saying, ‘My Beloved Son is among you.” God is affirming that we are not alone, on hard days. 

We recall Moses (The Lawgiver) and Elijah (the Great Prophet) talking with Jesus about what would be accomplished in Jerusalem: overcoming this world’s evil through Christ’s life, death and resurrection. Jesus who descends the climb with us, shares in our grief. Jesus is with us in our searing loss. Jesus is with us in our lament. Jesus understands our trauma and our anger. With Jesus, we can know that the worst thing is not the last thing. Jesus identifies with our suffering and grief. Jesus overcomes this world’s evil and blesses us with hope. We see glimpses of God’s kin-dom forming, as we join our hearts in prayer, with all God-fearing Canadians, for the community of Tumbler Ridge, BC.


Prayer with the Community of Tumbler Ridge, BC

Merciful God,

With people across the country and around the world, 

thank you for being with us, as we process news of

the mass shooting in the community of Tumbler Ridge.

Be solace for all affected.

Be comfort to those overwhelmed by grief.

Be compassionate to those who are providing support to the broken-hearted.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your presence with us, urging us to not be afraid.

We pray, empowered by the Holy Spirit, Amen.


ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  • NO SERVICE there will be no service Sunday Feb 15th.
  • VOLUNTEERS NEEDED  to help at the pancake supper. Contact Karen if you can help [email protected]  or 905 691-1859.
  • LOWVILLE PANCAKE SUPPER  Tues Feb 17 (5-7pm)  Cash only  Adults - $12, Children (6-11) $8, (5 and under) FREE   (includes Ice Cream, Coffee, Tea or Juice).  Invite your neighbours! (See attachment below)
  • BOOK STUDY  During Lent, Rev. Roni will be offering a video and book study on John Mark Comer’s  “Practicing the Way”. Please be in touch with Rev. Roni if you wish to borrow or purchase a copy of the book.
  • REV RONI’S OFFICE HOURS  at our Church are Mon, Tues & Wed (10am-3pm) Contact Info: [email protected] or Cell (416)271-5313 (text, email or phone for appointment).
  • REFRESHMENTS for after worship.  Sign-up Sheet is on the Zimmerman Rm Bulletin Board (south/east wall).
  • LOWVILLE CARES - Place your Local Food Bank Donations in Zimmerman Room Baskets located under the Guelph Line window near the Sanctuary door.