Let me start by asking you all a question. Who or what have been your own
personal influences in your life? Copyright St Elisabeths.
I'm sure we can all name people in our lives that have had a strong influence on us.
For example, you might think of your parents, a teacher from school or, in my case particularly, someone famous who you truly think has had an influence on your life. Someone who has inspired or encouraged you in ways no one else can.
Maybe you see them as a true pop idol, to be worshipped and adored!
You may even see or think of them as "divine"!Copyright St Elisabeths.
I can think of several people in my life that have been, and still are strong influences. My parents, Dorothy and Geoff have, always been there to guide and help in whatever I chose to do in my life. Not least in my training to become a vicar!
Another of my early influences was my first primary school teacher who, though I was very young, treated me with equality and respect. She encouraged and inspired me in all things. Qualities in a person that were not in great abundance at Alma Park primary school in Levenshulme forty years ago!
Music, art and poetry have also played a large part in my life. I'm sure you can think of many things personal to you that have done the same.
Over the last few months I have been to see several very different musical influences. From Aled Jones, Justin Timberlake, Will Young and Elton John to the rock group the Darkness.
Of course, there is nothing wrong about having diverse taste in things that influence our lives. In fact it is part of what makes us, us! What a dull world it would be if we were all of the same mind about things. Matthew's account of the Transfiguration is one where we learn of Christ's divinity. We are told that Jesus picked three of the first disciples to go with him up onto the mountain.
Perhaps Peter, James and John saw Jesus' transfiguration on the mountain as witnessing the one person who had so influenced their lives, being spectacularly transformed into someone different.Copyright St Elisabeths.
After all, they gave everything up to follow Christ. Imagine the sheer mixture of emotions the disciples must have felt to witness a most vital part of Jesus' life, right in front of their eyes! It was nothing if not dramatic!
Perhaps, we can try and compare this with our experiences of spectacular events in our own lives. My personal comparison would be of a Darkness concert full of high drama and tension. As the lights go down and the music begins, the excitement and apprehension build as lead singer Justin Hawkins appears on stage. Dressed in one of his trademark costumes covered in fake fur and sequins. We are treated to one of his infamous scissor kicks to start the show!Copyright St Elisabeths.
I did say I had very diverse taste!
Matthew's reading continues by him telling us of Jesus' transfiguration, "his face shining like the sun and his clothes became dazzling white". Afterwards, it was Peter who felt compelled to speak. However, I'm not sure whether his offer of making tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah was one that had been thought through!
As I read through the gospel reading, I discovered that Peter's presence on the mountain could be seen as having some considerable significance.
Matthew's account tells of Jesus on a mountain revealed in glory before his chosen disciples. There is a stark comparison here that is worth reflecting on. It is, that by the end of his ministry, Jesus is raised on a cross on a hillside. Not revealed in glory on a mountainside this time, but in shame and humiliation.
On the mountain, Christ is clothed in robes of dazzling white. On the cross at Calgary, Christ is stripped of all clothing and soldiers are casting lots for them.
On the mountain it is Peter who speaks out first of the wonder and awe that he has just witnessed. On the hillside at Calgary, Peter hides in shame after denying Jesus three times.
The transfiguration of Christ on the mountain can be reflected upon in the ways I have just described. It would be a useful beginning to our preparations for Lent, to meditate and reflect on this comparison.Copyright St Elisabeths.
If we can learn to see glory in the cross, then we can begin to learn to see the cross in glory. The story of the Transfiguration is not just about the realization of Christ's divinity, but it also strengthens his humanity, his effect and influence on others around him.
The disciples left their families and their livelihoods to follow Jesus. Now he is revealed to them as the true Son of God, sent to tell the world of a powerful and all embracing God. A God who embraces art, music and
poetry. A God of diversity and influence.
As we approach the beginning of Lent we can use our own diversity and influences on our lives, to journey onto our own mountain. There we will meet a truly powerful, loving God who can strengthen and embrace us.Copyright St Elisabeths.
Maybe we can put ourselves in Peter's position and explore the comparisons I mentioned earlier through prayer and reflection? However we choose approach our Lenten preparations, we can guarantee that through the gospel account of Christ's transfiguration, we too may be transformed into the people God want us to be. Amen.
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