Sun. Mar. 6, 2011 (Sven Eriksson)

Sven Eriksson spoke on the gospel lectionary text, Matthew 17.1-9. So much in the story of the Transfiguration is beyond our comprehension, but it celebrates the great transition from the three years of ministry to the final week of difficulties, trials and death. (Peter reported his recollections very modestly in 2 Peter 1.16-18.) Jesus went to a "mountain" (not by B.C. standards) to pray with Peter, James and John--the same three men who would accompany him for prayer in Gethsemane (falling asleep both times). Nevertheless, the experience became a beacon for them, for God had entered their lives in an unexpected way. Are we ever aware that God enters our space at specific times and places? We, too, may have had our "Holy Mountain" experiences, answered prayers, meaningful dreams, thoughts or unexpected insights, but do we--should we--tell these extraordinary experiences to each other? What are we supposed to do with them? Dismiss the unexpected? Deny that transcendence ever happened, even when experiencing it? The three disciples were not prompted to do anything, only to be there, experience the event, and it was assumed that the event would somehow transform their lives. We, like Peter, want to take action, but the profound awareness of God entering our lives may best be understood as our being granted a glimpse of God's glory which may then, somehow, become a beacon in our lives. [JEK] Listen to the sermon audio MP3 recording from Sunday, March 6th, 2011 using your browser's preferred media player.