You all know that I have a friend, an Anglican priest, who, each morning, sends a scripture reading and his reflection on that reading. I love getting these to start my morning for several reasons. First, it truly does start my day with a piece of the Bible, and I get a perspective on that piece of God’s word. We all know that there are parts of the Bible that are difficult to digest and understand. My friend helps me step through some of those difficult readings.
This morning, the reading and reflection were so uplifting; they made me smile just reading them. I felt Jesus saying, “Yes, I’m here, just follow Me”. I thought I’d share the reading from Luke and a portion of my friend’s reflection. I think it will bring hope and joy to you as you begin this day.
Luke 9:28-36
Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
Reflection
The apostles Peter, James, and John felt privileged that day. The Master has chosen them alone to accompany him up Mt. Tabor. The farther up the mountain they go, the more their attention is centered on Christ. They have already forgotten about the other apostles. They wonder when the Lord will stop, where he is taking them, what is the purpose of their journey. They do not understand, but they have learned to trust him and have followed him ever since he called them. He has always shown himself to be true, and so Peter, James, and John stand firmly in their trust in him.
This is a great lesson for us, too. We need to learn to follow Christ wherever he leads us. Although at times the going is tough and obstacles seem to be everywhere barring our path, like Peter, James, and John, we know for certain that the Lord is with us.
They reach the summit of the mountain. The Lord begins to pray. The apostles are tired out from the climb, and although they try to pray, they soon fall fast asleep. Then the sound of voices invades their sleep, and they feel a bright light on their closed eyes. Waking up, they are overawed at what they see. Before them is the Master in his Glory. At his side stand Moses and Elijah, conversing with him in an unmistakable attitude of respect. He is dazzlingly white, almost too bright for their eyes. It is their Lord and Master.
They are filled with the greatest joy. They are overcome by their experience of Christ in his glory.
As I said, these readings and reflections are such a wonderful start to the day.
Can you imagine being there with Peter, James and John? Can you imagine the brightness of Jesus? Then, hearing Father say, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him!” Though the Gospel doesn’t say it, I wonder if Father wanted to add, “and follow where He leads you”.
The more we follow His Son, the brighter the days become. We see that light that only Jesus can emit.
I leave you with this prayer shared by my friend today as well.
Lord Jesus, you so loved us that you came to show us the way to live our lives in the truth. You, the Eternal Word of the Father, lead us on the path of holiness. Do not let us grow weary, especially when the path is difficult. Give us your strength to stay the course. In Jesus name, Amen.
Have a good day, friends, and thank you, Shannon, for sharing Father’s word and your reflection to start our day.
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