see. seek
Our gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday (Last Epiphany), the Transfiguration is reported in the synoptic gospels Mark, Matthew and Luke, but not in Gospel John. Because I like to compare, each account is printed below. Mark's account would have been first and oldest, the other two based on Mark. Matthew's version is our reading for this, lectionary year A.
Mark 9:2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became dazzling bright, such as no one on earth could brighten them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us set up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” 8 Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
Matthew 17:1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
Luke 9:28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking about his exodus, which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep, but as they awoke they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us set up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” not realizing what he was saying. 34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” 36 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.
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Each writer's report is a bit different from the others, no matter, though dissecting them could be a fun and educational exercise in an adult Sunday school class. For the gospel storytellers, this is a central climax and turning point in their stories about Jesus. His appearance, baptism and earthly ministry are basically behind him; now he is changed in their eyes as the Father wants the Son's closest comrades to know and heed him as he heads for Jerusalem, the cross, death and resurrection.
We know what's ahead for them, God knows, the gospel writers know, and in retrospect the gospel writers want us to see Jesus knowing; but the disciples do not know either Jesus' future or their own destinies. One might say that their destiny is the Peace of God but then quote William Alexander Percy in his poem, "the peace of God, it is no peace, but strife closed in the sod," which is rather graphic.
I know the peace of God, you have it your way and I'm having it mine, which, Seeking, means struggling with creeds, doctrines, ancient collects and creation stories as I admire images of the Universe from NASA's Hubble and JWST, and as I stand on 7H porch gazing out into the night sky.
... galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile Earth, our island home ...
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I don't know any more than anyone else, but in my dedication to that proverb from my Episcopal theological seminary, "Seek the Truth, Come whence it May, Cost what it Will," I have seen and do see things differently - - and more differently and very costly as I age into life itself and whatever.
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A hymn refrain for this Tuesday morning, a day when I'm committed to enjoying two dozen cold salty ones on the half shell,
"All good things around us are sent from Heaven above; then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord, for all his love"
RSF&PTL
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