As we continue reflecting on the transfiguration today, we hear of the bright cloud above Jesus, Elijah, Moses and the three
disciples. Its brightness speaks of light again – it heralds God’s presence. The cloud, the shekinah, the glory of God, the cloud of unknowing, reminds us of the cloud that for forty years led the Israelites in the desert. It casts a shadow and contains the living and dead as one group. We are each invited into that oneness.
And then, from the cloud, God’s voice is heard, “This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.” God spoke to Moses and Elijah from a cloud on Mt. Sinai and now to Jesus and his companions. God affirms and encourages Jesus. God announces to the disciples that Jesus is the Son of God, the anticipated
Messiah for whom they have been waiting. God affirms each of us, too, as beloved children. “Listen to him” evokes Deut 18:5, where God promises a Messiah who would come to the Israelites and must be heard.
Peter, James and John are overwhelmed by the voice of God from the cloud. They fall on their faces in fear. Then, in their fear, Jesus comes and touches them. Jesus’ touch overcomes their fear and perhaps consecrates them to further service. Touch is important at times, especially when we are fearful. It is a reminder to us that Jesus is always there to embrace us, to be with us in both
joyful and fearful moments.
Will I go outside on suitable days and look at the
clouds, and perhaps stand in the shadow they cast, connect with God in prayer and feel the oneness of all God has created?
Have there been times when I have bowed forward, knelt or crouched to the ground in fear or awe when I have encountered
God?
How has Jesus touched me? Can I hear Jesus say, “Stand up, do not be afraid”?
