Transfiguration Sunday
Exodus 34:29-35 NRSV
Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
Luke 9:28-36 NRSV
Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and, in those days, told no one any of the things they had seen.
Glorious vision from high on the mountain,
Moses and God, friend to friend, face to face.
Back to his people with holy commandments,
Glory and majesty on stones of grace
No one could bear to behold awesome brightness,
Moses reflecting the glory of God;
So, with a veil Moses covered his visage,
Hiding from Israel God’s glorious light.
Glorious vision from high on the mountain,
Peter and John and James stand with their Lord.
Seeing God witness to Jesus’ divinity,
Hearing the Father give praise to His Son.
Glory and majesty shining on Moses,
Glory and majesty shone ‘round the Lord.
Fear and great awe come from seeing God’s glory,
Overwhelmed, yet full of joy at the sight.
Lord, help us not be like Israel with Moses,
Fearful of being with one who knows God.
Help us, instead, to rejoice in your Presence,
And seek You daily while life here we trod.
Name of All Majesty
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Corinthians 4.15).
