Last Sunday after Epiphany

Today is the last Sunday of Epiphany or the Sunday next before Lent if you want. The readings point out to the transfiguration, so it is a kind of "second" transfiguration Sunday, though this feast is in August. It is also St. Valentines day today, which connects with the them of the Love of God. The Lectionary gives us two beautiful readings from Second Kings and the Gospel of Mark. Elijah’s ascent to heaven and Jesus’ transfiguration. These are mystical stories where heaven and earth meet in an extraordinary way. The narrative combines the eternal with the human experience. The Transfiguration describes a Theophany, God’s eternal presence. Mark tells the story with a beautiful simplicity. Jesus goes to a mountain to pray, accompanied by his closest friends, his inner circle.

They see him transfigured in dazzling white clothes. They see him surrounded by the glory of God, and talking with the great prophets Moses and Elijah. This reflects Moses’ transfiguration in Exodus 34. If you remember, he comes down from Mt. Sinai with the tablets of the covenant, his face shining so brightly from his encounter with God. The people were scared and covered their faces. The mountain is a a bridge between heaven and earth. The Transfiguration describes a mystical moment. A visible manifestation of the union of human and divine in Jesus. Like the Israelites in Exodus, Jesus’ friends are terrified by what they have seen. Terrified and in awe of that glimpse of God’s eternal glory. In the climax of the scene, Gods voice speaks and confirms Jesus identity as the Son of God. “This is my Son the Beloved; listen to him!” This experience is a turning point. Jesus, reminds us of his unity with God. The Transfiguration is a bridge between Jesus’ public ministry and the road to his passion, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem.

Transfiguration Sunday is a bridge between Epiphany and Lent, where Jesus’ journey to the cross is the central point. The Transfiguration is a revelation of Christ’s glory. It uncovers for us the veil between heaven and earth. The story of Elijah’s ascent to heaven is another such meeting of heaven and earth, an experience of God. Elijah knows where he is going; the company of prophets know where he is going; his student and protégé Elisha knows where he is going. In an echo of Jesus’ instruction to tell no one, Elisha insists: keep silent. He knows, but he is not ready. It is touching and profoundly human that Elisha will not leave his master. He stays with him as long as possible. He accompanies him on his journey as long as possible. This is a reflection of Peter who was not able to stick with Jesus until the end. Elisha holds on to his friend, human mentor, inspiring prophet and healer. The holy man who is in intimate communion with God. He pleads with Elijiah: “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit,” he says.

These revelations of God’s glory—are stories of human grief. Elisha accompanies his beloved mentor as far as he can, until he can no longer see him. He then tears his clothes in lamentation. Peter, James, and John too are reluctant to let go of the human manifestation of God’s eternal light. They want to make make dwellings for the prophets, to keep them with them. They do not want their beloved to leave them behind. Today we’ve heard two stories of crossing over, journeying toward the threshold of life and death, the temporal and eternal. It could be a scene from a hospital or hospice! Family and friends are gathered to hold vigil at the threshold of life and death. They want to accompany their loved one as far along the journey as they can. There may be a glimpse of the light shining around the traveler, which embrace the person in awe. He might already heading to the light even heading has already turned his or her face. “Please, while those that are surrounding him/her plead “to build them a house” so they may stay.  Or maybe, since you must go, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit”.

Both stories are encounters with the divine. They are reminders that God walks with us on our journey to unity with the infinite, mystical and what we cannot know. We  can feel God’s presence, even if we have to let a loved one go. Because we experience that they will not be lost forever. They are not far from us and we will meet again. In the stories of Jesus’ transfiguration and Elijah’s ascent to heaven, the dead are not lost nor the living left behind. Grief and suffering are transformed by the spiritual knowledge that we shall be together in God’s love again. A wonderful perspective in the light of our human suffering. Let’s thank God for his comforting presence to us. Amen.