Sometimes SILENCE is the most appropriate response!

I was struck by the fact that just after Peter, James and John witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus, they were moved to SILENCE. We would have excused them if they had wanted to tell the world - or in today's language, to post it on social media - but they sensed that their most appropriate act of worship was to remain quiet!

³⁶ When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen. - Luke 9

Perhaps the modern Church needs to grasp this principle of silence and awe – not to always feel the need to fill the gaps with sound. Of course, there is a time for songs and prayers, but there is also a time for silence and reflection. 

It is a sad reality that the actions of the 3 disciples were so opposite to the world in which we now live – in our world there is always noise. From the moment we wake up until the time we go to sleep; it is almost as if we need to fight just to appreciate a few moments of quiet. 

The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us:

Ecclesiastes 3:7 – “there is a time for silence and a time to speak...”

Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt - "...silence is the only adequate response to the Transfiguration the disciples witnessed."

Psalm 37:7 Be silent in the LORD’s presence and wait patiently for him.

What do you feel about this? I would love to know.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A crucial link between the Transfiguration and Lent

It is something that most people assume, but it is well worth highlighting, that Jesus' purpose in climbing the mountain (Transfiguration) was to pray. Read Luke's account below and take note of the words I have placed in BOLD type. 

²⁸ About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. ²⁹ As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. (Luke 9)

Luke invites us into a unique moment in the spiritual apprenticeship of Peter, James and John. They see first-hand the transforming power of prayer. This is not the first time they have been aware of Jesus' commitment to prayer, but it seems to be the moment that they witness the most radical change in their Rabbi. Prayer has changed the appearance of Jesus, and they are left gob smacked at what they see. 

I would like to point out the remarkable value in prayer and how when we are committed to this practice, our lives can be changed. We may not walk around with the afterglow like Jesus did, but other people may soon wonder what has changed in our lives. This is one of the reasons why I like Lent so much - it calls out to my wandering spirit: "Come near for a while. Rest in the presence of Jesus."

As we enter into the sacred season of Lent and begin our pilgrimage to Calvary, may we take the lessons of the Transfiguration with us - and may we stay close to Jesus.

William Loader wrote: "...making time and space for prayer and reflection is crucial if we are to know who he is and where we are going with him."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

It is good for us to be here!

As Peter was taking in the grandeur of the Transfiguration, he blurted out: 

“Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) - Luke 9:33

Even though Peter couldn't fully comprehend what he was witnessing, the one thing he got right was that it was truly amazing to witness the gathering of Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Perhaps his words 'it is good for us to be here' are even a little understated. In modern language he could have been excused for shouting out: This is Epic! This is Awesome!

His heart was probably pumping and his adrenaline following so strongly, that all he could think of was 'let me hold onto this moment for as long as possible.' 

Can you relate to this at all? When was the last time you experienced something so profound and beautiful that your heart sang: 'it is good to be here!'

Living in Grace

D3LM3

17 - The importance of touch

Our language has evolved over many thousands of years and now we have a few word for our vocab - "social distancing." In order not to spread any germs and the Covid-19 virus to anyone else, we are all encouraged to keep our distance from one another. 

However, it is only when we do this (and it is imperative that WE DO), that we realise the value of being in physical contact with others. I noticed on Sunday in our services that we all struggled not to hold hands with the people around us - we have got so used to it, that when it was not there anymore, we all felt its absence.

 "While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus." - Matthew 17:5-7

In this chapter, I was drawn to the moment that Jesus touched his disciples and spoke words of comfort to them. This made the world of difference to them. 

Although we can't do this at the moment, we can still speak words of love and comfort to each other. 

Living in Grace
D3LM3