[RCL] Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a] Luke, author of the Gospel that carries his name, is also a doctor and a historian. He puts a lot of emphasis on the details, the dates, and the events that connect Jesus with the history and with the people. In several accounts, interest…

[RCL] Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a] “About eight days after these sayings, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray.” “These sayings” included telling them that in Jerusalem he would be rejected, he would die, and after three days be raised…

To see God is to be changed. For the last several weeks, during this season following the Epiphany, we have journeyed alongside those who first came to the realization that Jesus might actually be the Messiah for whom they had waited. They watched as heaven opened and heard a voice proclaiming, “This is my Son,”…

In the coming week, churches around the world will undergo a transformation of sorts, as the liturgical calendar moves from the season after Epiphany to the season of Lent. Our praise-filled shouts of “Alleluia!” will give way to Lent’s solemn petition, “Lord have mercy.” Many churches will retire their finest brass and festive hangings in…

Today, the last Sunday of Epiphany, is recognized every year as World Mission Sunday around the Episcopal Church. The word “mission” comes from the Latin verb mittere “to be sent out”; mission is about being sent out. But what are we being sent out to do, and where are we expected to go? The mission that we…

At first glance, one might be tempted to think:“What do the readings from Exodus, Psalm 99, Second Corinthians, and Luke—the readings for this Transfiguration Sunday—have to do with World Mission Sunday?” The linked readings focusing on Moses’ intimate relationship with God and his shining face in Exodus and Second Corinthians, the psalmist’s praise to God…

Today’s readings take us into “close encounters” with God – the kind that don’t seem to happen too often, but when they do, they are the ones that change us. In an instant of a transfiguring experience we can fully grasp who we are and what we can create. Today’s gospel reminds us to search…

Whenever Moses was with God on the mountain he was transformed. Likewise Jesus was transformed upon the mountain as he was with God, joined by the great prophets of God, Moses and Elijah. The countenance of Jesus was altered and his raiment became dazzling white. The human reaction to this transformation was initially fear, or…