I rarely focus on Jesus when preaching on the Transfiguration. I focus on the bumbling disciples, probably because I feel like a bumbling disciple. I'm also anxious about making Jesus too God-like. Because of this I've missed the connection between the arrival of Moses and Elijah and Jesus. They are prophets who come to set us free from oppression! This story sets Jesus firmly into the prophetic tradition.

Transfiguration

The Lukan version of the transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36) is unique among the gospels in at least two ways. (Check out Andrew's Version by Andrew McGowan for background information for your sermon.) Luke emphasizes that Jesus is at prayer, and includes Jesus' conversation with Moses and Elijah about his exodus. Although sometimes translated as "departure", the Greek definitely implies the connection to Moses freeing the slaves in Egypt.

The transfiguration is followed by Jesus healing a boy by rebuking an unclean spirit (Luke 9:42), and then in 9:44 predicting the passion: “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.” What does it mean to think about the connection of the passion to the Exodus story? To imagine that Jesus' journey is only toward crucifixion is to end the story of exodus at the sea of reeds. Exodus does not end in the wilderness, but in the continued life of the people in promised land. Jesus death, resurrection, and ascension is a journey toward the church--the body of christ--doing God's work in the world.

Which returns us to prayer. In Luke 5:16, 6:12, 9:18, and 11:1 Jesus turns to prayer before and during significant events (McGowan). Prayer is not a private spiritual discipline that Jesus engages to be removed from the world, but rather is preparation for being in the world. It is connection to God that keeps Jesus going. How much more so we must turn to prayer to maintain our connection to God!

Jesus' public ministry begins with a proclamation of the year of the God's favor, as evidenced by good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and freedom for the oppressed (Luke 4:18-19). His earthly exodus is one that ushers in a church called to continue the proclamation of God's Kingdom. In times like these, when the future for the oppressed seems impossible, we remember Moses leading the exodus, and Jesus standing firm against the powers-that-be.

We must focus on bringing about exodus for the oppressed, departing out of violence of oppression and into God's promise. We do that with prayers to keep us connected to God, and with action to be God's hands and feet in the world. We do that with Jesus, the anointed, guiding us, and the Holy Spirit giving us the power and courage to act.
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If you would like to see my past blog posts, click below.

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For some during the civil-rights movement self-care wasn’t viewed as a luxury, but as a technique for self-empowerment to continue to fight social injustices. The Black Panthers had yoga and meditation as a part of their disciplines. Check out this article from The Center For Community Solutions.

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Richard Rohr's Center for Action and Contemplation explores the intersection of prayer and action. Check out his website.

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