Know Jesus, Know Peace - August 6

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 99; PM  Psalm 72; Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Peter 1:13-21, Luke 9:28-36

I can imagine myself being one of the disciples, trying to follow along and not doing a very good job of understanding all the signs and miracles and teachings he’s providing. Everything Jesus models contradicts cultural norms. He talks about the kingdom of God and says things like love your enemy and tells us to feed thousands of people with just two fish and a few loaves of bread. Eventually, I have to boldly ask: JESUS, who are you?! Just tell me, give me an obvious sign, be really clear about it, please!

And this is when Jesus takes me to the “mountain top” to pray and he tells me to pay attention, you’re about to see and hear, with great clarity, exactly what you need to know. Then, suddenly, Jesus appears in bedazzled glory, and I notice Moses and Elijah are both there with him. OK, I think I get it. We have Moses representing the law of the old covenant and Elijah representing the prophets who are combining forces with Jesus. And that’s as far as I get before I hear the voice of God (think Morgan Freeman’s voice making announcements in the airport) and he says, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” and suddenly Jesus is standing alone again.

Dang it! I missed it…what’s the clear sign??? I get the part about Son of God, the chosen one. I get it that he’s standing alone again, representing the new covenant beginning the new relationship with God through Christ Jesus as the Messiah. But the part about listening to him…I’ve been listening and I’m just not understanding. I want to know Jesus, but lately - especially as some big decisions are consuming my thoughts - I feel as distant as ever.

But then, as we pray, I am able to connect. Jesus is God in skin, both fully human and fully divine…so Jesus knows what it’s like to be a human. Being a human is hard right now, it was hard during the time of the Roman Empire also, and Jesus was showing us the glory of Christ – that is the POWER of Christ which is LOVE. Jesus Christ makes all things new in his coming in glory…dazzling and bright, yes, but even more wonderful, the fullness of life he brings through the power of making all things new through LOVE.

Things get confusing when we get distracted by messages from social media, mainstream media, what others think and say and do, our own judgment of others, selfish desires, power that supports injustice, there are SO MANY misleading signs all around us. We can feel anxious, afraid, and even angry in reaction to things happening around us. Your feelings are valid. As Christians, our hope is in knowing the love of Christ and to live into the fullness of life in Christ.  – not all that other junk that causes distress – but to know and live into the life of Christ is the know peace. Know Jesus, listen to him, follow him, believe that God is with you in Christ, and you will know peace.

And this pivotal mountaintop moment becomes the commemorated holy day of The Transfiguration of Our Lord that is remembered throughout history.

— Susan Oakes, Seminarian

Susan Oakes is a rising senior at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. This summer, she is serving as a seminarian intern at Saint Stephen's, her sponsoring parish for ordination.

Questions:

If you witnessed this vision, as the disciples did, how would you interpret the experience?

Challenge:

A friend acknowledges how peaceful you are amidst the chaos of our times. You attribute your peacefulness to knowing Jesus. Describe Jesus to your friend.