February 23, 2009 Sermon
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Last Epiphany - B
2 Kings;
February 23, 2009 Allan Conkling
We come to the end of the season of Epiphany with Bible stories cloaked in wonder and mystery. First, the story of Elijah, from which was taken the title of the movie, "The Chariots of Fire" and at least one African-American spiritual,
"Swing low, sweet chariot, comin' for to carry me home."
In the second reading Paul warns us not to live as children of the dark, blinded by the ways of the world. He uses a strong word here, being as though a slave or servant of Christ. This is hard for folks today who value independence and freedom. This kind of freedom is a paradox.
The Gospel reading from Mark is the story of the Transfiguration:
Six days after Peter made his confession (when he told Jesus, "You are the Christ..."); Jesus took him, along with James and John, up the side of a mountain, and on the trip of a lifetime. There he changed before them. It was almost as if he were saying: "Feast your eyes on this!"
Whether or not you take these stories with absolute literalism, you do have to figure that something important was going on; something for which we can only bow in reverence as we try to understand.
These stories reminded me of just how many times God uses special moments in our lives to get our attention and stop us in our tracks. It might be one of those "close-calls" like narrowly missing a car wreck; or passing a major exam, or receiving good news from the doctor. We don't use the word "transfiguration"--That is a church word. Neither do we use the word "metamorphosis"--that is something that happens to butterfly larvae. But perhaps a word like "change", or "awakening" could describe that which happens within us when our eyes are opened to the workings of God. Something from then on is different. In those moments faith is confirmed. We say (and really mean it!): "Thank you God!" "Yes, you really are here!"
We can also sense the presence of God in those sad or tragic moments of life like a divorce, separation, or death of a loved one. Just when we think we can’t go on, we feel God’s loving embrace. We know at the depths of our heart that things will be ok. Life really does have meaning and purpose and we are loved unconditionally. Quoting the Prophet Elijah,
"As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you."
As Christians we proclaim Jesus Christ is the light of the world, the beacon in the dark harbor. Our task as followers of Christ is to share this light with others. Paul says in Romans 12:2,
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds."
Being transformed, changed, awakened: Transfigured is at the heart of our worship service today. You and I are invited not just to read about the Transfiguration, but to live it and to allow it to change us fro the inside out. The point of this story and of all the Holy Scripture is that there is a Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer who constantly draws us, brings out the best in us.
How that happens is, of course, unique to each person. For some the journey of faith will be a slow steady growth, a calm assurance, day in day out, week after week, that there is never a time when God is absent. For others, God speaks in silence and in prayer. For others God comes in one of those mountain-top experiences that puts life on a new course.
The end result is that we become as witnesses, just as the disciples. A witness has been defined as someone who first sees and then shows. At the appointed time the disciples went forth, and so do we.
At the close of this day we say goodbye to the season of Epiphany for another year. After today we unplug the "star" above the Pulpit. Tuesday is Mardi Gras. Wednesday we get ashes. Pray God to open our hearts, and enliven this church. Pray for God to show us the light of his countenance that we may be changed.
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Revised: 02/26/09