Focus
As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.
Read
Luke 9:28-36 (NRSV)
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
Reflect
How difficult it is for us to see Jesus for Who He really is. Assembled on the mountain are Moses (the leader who delivered the Law) and Elijah (representing the prophets), and three future leaders in the Church. The purpose is to glorify Christ above everything and everyone else. Jesus is not purified here; instead, He is revealed as pure.
Perhaps, Jesus’ humanity, approachability, and acceptance have interfered with Peter’s comprehension of Christ’s divinity. Peter offers to build some shelter–mistakenly supposing that God will dwell in buildings made by human hands. The correlation to the glory of God filling the Tabernacle (Ex 40:34-35) and later the First Temple (I Chronicles 7:2) and the cloud on the mountain is unmistakable. Human flesh trembles and cannot stand in the presence of God’s holiness.
We all do the same. Somehow we get it turned around and think it’s about us, what we think and what we can do. We may even lose our reverence or say things that are out of place. Instead, we ought to fix ourselves on the glory of Christ Jesus and heed His voice.
Pray
Lord, grant us a deeper appreciation of Who you are. Extend our understanding that we would walk more closely in step with You for to know you is to love You.
Go with God!
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