Transfigured. That’s a funny church word. This Sunday is “Transfiguration Sunday,” and the Gospel reading (Mark 9) tells the story of Jesus going up on a mountain to pray with Peter, James, and John. And while there a cloud overshadows them, and he’s “transfigured” and shines with all of his heavenly glory. The word, “transfigured,” is metamorphosis in Greek. The same word we use to describe caterpillars turning into butterflies. It’s a curious story and can be interpreted in a variety of ways. While he’s shining in this cloud he’s joined by Moses the Lawgiver and Elijah the quintessential Prophet. One layer of the story is that he “outshines” them. Another deeper layer addresses the question—is he DIVINE? Cryptically, he tells the disciples to “tell no one” until after he’s raised from the dead.

Imagine walking the dusty roads of Israel with this teacher and miracle worker. He gets hungry just like you do. He sweats and needs sleep just like you do. But there’s something else to this person. Is there more to him? If so, how much more? Jesus sometimes seems like a superhero with a secret identity, and this story lifts the veil for a moment. But then he goes back to being human with dirty and dusty feet. And lest we want to cling to the Divine Christ, he reminds us that he’s also Human and will die. Jesus embodies fully within himself humanity and divine glory in ways in which we don’t (I can’t walk on water), but through him we are “partakers of his divine nature” (II Peter 1:4). Paul reminds us that we too have that same glory shining in our hearts (II Corinthians 4:6) through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Metamorphosis Sunday always comes right before Lent, that time in the church year when we reflect a little more deeply and pray a little harder and live out our “call” as God’s Children a little more intentionally. How do Christ’s promises change us, “metamorphosis” us into life?

Peace, Pr. Christian