Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Luke 9:28-36, (37-43)
Two powerful themes wind their way through today's readings, coming together into a unified plan for each one of us today.
The first of these themes is the affirmation of Christ as the One Unifier between the law and the prophets. The Hebrew scriptures gave us two great theological aspirations: finding God through obedience to His rules and regulations, and building a personal relationship with God through realizing His presence in our souls.
Moses is considered to be the great law-giver, coming down from Mt. Sinai with the foundational ten commandments. From this sprang forth the many rules and guidelines developed by the priestly class that can be found in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Many believed that the path to salvation was in the perfection of obedience to these laws. This was quite evident in the lives of the Pharisees in Jesus' time.
But many prophets of the old testament saw things a bit differently. They tried to promote a path to God through developing a personal relationship with Him. The prophets knew that God was all-present, and all-knowing, and took a very personal interest in people's lives. Even the psalmists began to understand God as being something better than a militant autocrat.
Now we come to the transfiguration on the mountain top, when Jesus took Peter, John, and James to this place to pray. While this was happening, the countenance of Jesus changed, and Moses and Elijah appeared in glory with him. They talked together, and were glorified together. It was a symbolic event that positioned Jesus as uniting the law and the prophets into one idea; that the love of God is for everyone, and the law can be used as a guide to show us what that love means.
Jesus often said that he did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it. All law must be interpreted and applied according to God's love, or it is worthless, and could very well become a god in itself that is worshiped. The law is not the end, but a means to the end, which is God's love.
But the love of God does not stay on the mountaintop. Unless it's applied in community, it has little value. Therefore we come to the second great theme of the readings – Jesus and his inner circle came down from the mountain back into human society, with all its frailties, shortcomings and problems.
It's here that the law and the prophets come together for the common good. It's here that we take what God has given us, no matter what it is, and apply it in our own unique way to the present moment situation that we find ourselves. We shed the baggage of the past that holds us down, leaving it to God's loving mercy, and we shun the fears and worries of the future, leaving them to God's Providence. Now we are free to blend the guidance of the law and the love of the prophets into our own lives.
The psalmist writes, "Extol the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain." This is the contemplative side of our monastic profession. Jesus says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." This is the action part of our monastic profession. Do both for balance. Do both for fulfillment. Do both for the love of God.
Reflection Questions
1. How do you balance the contemplative side and the action side of your life?
2. Do you fear being who you really are? Why?
3. Who around you can help you become who you really are?
4. Read through the scripture lessons for this Sunday again, and spend some time journaling your thoughts.
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