A Glimpse of Glory

Mark 9:2-10 - The Transfiguration

For Eastern Orthodox Christians, the transfiguration of Jesus is a crucial story at the centre of their faith. Here - as Jesus is transfigured, his clothes a dazzling white - we catch a glimpse of God's glorious light shining through a human being. This is a profound moment where the Good News of God's incarnation is affirmed. As Jesus is transfigured, our world of sin is bathed in the light of God. This is a picture of God in the flesh, of God meeting us in earthly form so that we might be bound to God in the Spirit and in truth. And it's also a hint of the resurrection glory that will belong to Jesus on the other side of the cross. It's a moment of assurance before the passion, promising that God's purposes will not be overcome and that we will be invited into the life of resurrection glory that bursts forth from Jesus on that mountain like water bursting from a broken dam!

Mennonites, on the other hand, have not tended to make a whole lot of Jesus' transfiguration. Why not? We're more likely to emphasize the road to the cross, the cost of discipleship and the call to imitate Jesus in the life of the faithful community. In our worship, certainly, we're more 'earthy' and unadorned than Orthodox communities where light, space and liturgy combine to give a joyful sense of God's expansive presence in an earthly house. Could it be that we're a little uncomfortable with glory? Are we somewhat retiscent to claim the resurrection triumph of God which breaks out for that moment on the mountain? Does our discipleship keep our noses to the grindstone so thoroughly that we miss the inbreaking of light, grace and salvation through those earthly tasks and activities?

On the other hand, we may be right to hesitate before embracing the triumphal song. After the lightshow on the mountain, Jesus orders his disciples not to tell anyone about what they'd seen until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. In other words, you can't understand this glimpse of glory until you've walked with Jesus through the valley of the shadow. There's no triumph without obedient suffering, no victory without sacrifice. If you want to live, says Jesus, take up your cross and follow me. This is a tension within the text, and it's a tension within our lives and communities of faith.

As we prepare to transition into the season of Lent, however, Jesus' transfiguration remains encouragement to remember that there will be light beyond the shadow. Following a crucified Christ is still good news - it is a life of hope, grace and light in the presence of God here with us. This glimpse of glory is the promise of eternity.