Rochester, MN UCC - Transfiguration & Mardi Gras Sunday

THE LIGHT AND LOVE OF GOD - Matthew 17:1-9

 The story of Jesus’ transfiguration is often used on the final Sunday of Epiphany.  This is fitting because the sudden realization, the epiphany that we celebrate during this season is the recognition of God in Jesus Christ.  Though there have been subtle hints of Jesus’ divine identity all throughout the gospel, in the story of the transfiguration all subtlety is gone.  With his disciples on top of a mountain Jesus is revealed as God the Son with a rather spectacular show.  His face shines like the sun and his clothes become dazzling white.  He is joined by Moses and Elijah. Finally, a cloud settles over him and a voice from above proclaims, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”

 The transfiguration reminds us of the beauty and majesty of God’s presence with us in the world.  Even as he heads towards his execution, Jesus reflects to his disciples this fantastic vision of the light and love of God.  When we go through difficult times, the light and life of God remain near us as well.  As bad as things may get, we may find comfort in our faith that we are loved by God with the very same love that unites Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  We are loved by God in Jesus Christ and there is nothing that can separate us from that love.

 This Sunday we celebrate our Mardi Gras Sunday with a worship service filled with beautiful music drawn from the tradition of the Negro Spirituals.  These songs were composed by Christians held in slavery in the United States.  As brutal as their lives could be, as cruelly as they were treated, these enslaved Christians never stopped believing that they were loved and valued by God.  Their faith in God’s love for them in Jesus Christ helped to sustain them, it gave them hope that the world could be different, and it led them to freedom- both spiritual and physical freedom.  When we sing these spirituals on Sunday, let’s do it in thanksgiving for the incredible Christian witness of these enslaved Christians and with a renewed dedication to proclaiming that God’s love and light shine on us all.

 Pastor Andrew Greenhaw