Sunday Feb. 15th, 2026

Lectionary Readings for this Sunday are Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 2, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9

The Last Sunday after the Epiphany

Transfiguration

If you have ever experienced something so wonderful that you know there is nothing can top it for you, that you will never forget what you felt, who you were with, what you did; Sometimes when people witness the Northern Lights (the aurora borealis) though it is natural in the north, others when they see it, they are forever marked by it, because it speaks something, other, something powerful, something beyond, that they are changed by it.  Perhaps you have had that experience yourself, when you know everything changed for you, because of something that happened, something felt or seen.  

In the gospel of Jesus transfiguration, when he went upon the mountain with the disciples,  Jesus’ face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white, also standing alongside him were the two great giants of the old testament prophets, Moses and Elijah, though both had been long gone, there they were; it was nothing like the disciples had ever experienced before, a moment of divine revelation. And Peter responds to it, saying, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”   (Matt 17:1-9)

No doubt it was, Jesus previous to this in the gospel had asked the disciples “who do you say that I am” and Peter answered “you are the Messiah, the son of the living God.”  (Matt 16:) Jesus transfiguration was now a confirmation of this. They didn’t just know it, or believe it, they had experience of it.  We know also that this is a turning point in Jesus ministry when he turns his face directly toward Jerusalem and the Cross. 

Peter, whether he is unsure about what is happening, or don’t know what else to say or do, he suddenly makes a statement that seem to make no sense.. Asking, “if he should put up three dwellings, one for Moses, one for Elijah and one for Jesus.” What!! Peter is experiencing this divine moment and all he can think about is putting up buildings!

Will perhaps it wasn’t so off mark after all.  In biblical times, it was the custom during the ‘the festival of booths, to build temporary shelters in which they would stay to commemorate the exodus, giving thanks for the harvest, rejoicing in God’s goodness. (Duet 16:19) Perhaps Peter was thinking this need to be marked in some way; but more likely it was just Peter wanting to stay there a bit longer on that mountain, to savour this moment as long as he could.  We have all been there at times, when we would rather stay in a place of peace and calm rather then going back to the chaos of the world or our lives perhaps. 

And as we know Jesus had also told the disciples before going up on that mountain, that he was to suffer, die at the hands of the Chief priests and pharisees, and on the third day rise again.  And we know Peter didn’t like that idea.  So Perhaps it was as we would likely do ourselves, not wanting to face something, this was Peter’s attempt to prevent the inevitable. 

Peter no more then had the words out however before a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud spoke saying “this is my Son, the beloved, with him I am well pleased. And then adds, ‘listen to him.” 

I can imagine that was spoken in no subtle manner, but likely thunderous, frightening even, with the point being that it was intentional for the disciples to hear.  And they fall on the ground overcome with fear.  

Fear, here meaning they were so overwhelmed by the powerful, that in that moment it was as if every stopped for them, if Peter didn’t understand what the transfiguration was about before he knew it now, that it too was meant for them, that they were to listen, follow not their own voices, but Jesus, all the way to the cross and beyond; this too was about them and the rest of their lives, and it was in obedience to him and his word they were to go out as apostles into the world.

Jesus comes to them, touches them, and says, “get up do not be afraid.” And we know too, in our times of overwhelm, when the world feels heavy, and all seems out of sorts, that we too have a God who comes to us, reassures us, and reminds us that we are not alone, that he is always with us. 

I can imagine when they walked down that mountain together not much was said, but nothing felt the same either, because not only had Jesus been transfigured so had the disciples by all that they had experienced. 

God’s Glory doesn’t only shine through on the mountain however, but also down in the valleys, in all the places of our lives, and no sooner were they off the mountain, then they experienced it again in a life changed in the world; when a Father bringing his child to Jesus, and Jesus cast sthe demon out of him. In that moment God’s glory shone through in the brightest way, as we know it does in lives that are continuing to be changed, restored in our world today, through God’s mercy, his compassion and love, when someone cares enough to make a difference in the life of another.

As Thomas Merton is quoted as saying, “we are living in a world that is absolutely transparent, and God is Shining through it all the time.”  If we only have eyes to see. 

May we always have our eyes open to the revealing of God’s glory, his mercy, compassion and love working to change lives, restore peace, bring hope in all the places of need, heaviness, as in the world today. 

Amen, God Bless