Collect for the Feast of the Transfiguration
"O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the king in his beauty; who with you O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen. (BCP, p. 243)”
Today, Thursday, August 6th as I write this pastoral message, is the day that the Episcopal Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration. We can also commemorate the Transfiguration on the Sunday just before Lent, when Jesus starts to speak to his disciples of his forthcoming death, so that it is a transition between the Epiphany season, in which Christ makes himself known, and the Lenten season, in which he prepares the disciples for what lies ahead. The Transfiguration takes place on Mount Tabor, where Jesus brings Peter, John, and James, The Gospel of Matthew records that "he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. At this moment Moses and Elijah appeared, and they were talking with Jesus. A bright cloud overshadowed them and a voice from the cloud stated, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."
The Transfiguration takes place about three years into Jesus’ three-and one-half year ministry. Jesus had just started speaking to his disciples about his impending death, but the disciples did not want to hear about or believe that he would die. So Jesus needed a way to really impress them and I am sure seeing his body enveloped in white and gold did the trick. Not to mention hearing the words from above say, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him”.
How do we listen to Jesus? It is not easy, particularly in the disquietude of this world. Disquietude, what an odd word. The first time I had ever seen this word was in the Collect for August 6th (above), so of course I had to look it up. When I used the on-line thesaurus, the thesaurus was not helpful, it could not find any similar words. So then I tried the on-line dictionary which defined “disquietude” as a state of agitation or anxiety. What an appropriate word for this day and these times, particularly after seeing the horrendous images of suffering in Beirut, Lebanon, a place that has experienced more than its fair share of suffering and close to the hearts in this household.
How do we listen to Jesus in this time of high agitation and anxiety? It really is difficult, but as people of faith we must, and we do find ways to listen to Jesus. I try to hear God’s voice through Jesus Christ in the beautiful bird songs in the early morning, in the beautiful sunsets we have seen the past couple of evenings, taking pleasure in the natural world of God’s creation, conducting Morning Prayer, and attending Compline are some of the ways. I started a prayer practice of reading a little each night from books I have collected from Church Publishing. I am currently reading Crazy Christians, A Call to Follow Jesus a collection of sermons by our Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry. The table of contents alone gives me hope; Following Jesus with Our Feet, Living into God’s Dream, A Mountain Climb that Can Change the World, Keep Your Eyes on the Prize, Hold On, Hold On, to name a few. These sermons transport me to a better place away from anxiety and into a hopeful place that opens my ears and heart so I am prepared to “listen to Him”. What are your practices, do you need a start or a re-start, again, it is not easy during this time of disquietude, there are many ways to “listen to Him”, find what works for you, Jesus will love you no matter how you listen to him.
In closing, let us pray for the people of Beirut using this prayer by the Brigidine Sisters; We pray, God of all people, that your Spirit of healing and protection be with the people of Beirut and Lebanon at this time. May the good news of peace and loving care be with all who live in Beirut, especially those suffering as a result of this disaster.
May the terrifying sounds of explosion, ambulance sirens and the cries of those trapped in buildings give way to sounds of courage and hope.
May the smell of acrid smoke, burning buildings and remains soon give way to a renewed sense of God’s loving presence and strength.
May there be real cooperation between rescue workers, government personnel and civilians so that true justice and peace might break through for all and people’s deep suffering alleviated.
Our Lady of Lebanon, pray for us and for all who suffer in Beirut. Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Suzanne Owayda, Warden
