It Is Good For Us To Be Here

One of today's lectionary readings from the Bible (Matthew 17:1-8)

1Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

This passage is commonly referred to as the Transfiguration. In some miraculous, amazing way Jesus' appearance was changed, or transfigured, as three of his disciples looked on.

But notice that this special encounter with Jesus took place away from the crowds and the busy-ness of life. It took place on top of mountain.

Even today, Jesus wants us to encounter him in special ways. Our challenge is find times each week - or ideally, each day - to experience periods when we can be calm and quiet, and spend time in Jesus' presence. As we do that, we will grow in our relationship with Jesus, and we will grow in our ability to understand God's will for each of our lives.

When we find those period of calm and quiet, hopefully we will say what Peter said, "Lord, it is good for us to be here."

Ed Bowen