SERMON Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, February 7, 2016 Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Cor. 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a]

Transcription

1 SERMON Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, February 7, 2016 Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Cor. 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a] As people of faith, we live in the overlapping seasons of liturgy and nature, each of them sharing a common theme. This should not surprise us, given that our liturgy is always a hymn of praise to this world's Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. So for Christians who pay attention, there is always a sense of agreement, always a rhyme, between God's Word and God's World in each overlapping season. At this time of year in the Church and in the world, the theme is Light. We've all been on a journey into Light, which first broke forth in the darkness of Winter solstice with the birth of Christ, the son of God, but faithfully presses on to become the life-giving light of Spring and of death transformed by resurrection. Think about the Epiphany season we are now concluding. What began with the Feast of the Epiphany, with its star in the heavens pointing shepherds and wise men to a baby, now ends with the Transfiguration, with Jesus' own face shining like the sun. In marking the season between these events, we saw how the light of God's revelation in Jesus becomes clearer and clearer to the disciples, until on a mountaintop it became blindingly clear. So what began on Epiphany with a radiant light in the heavens pointing to a sign on earth, now bathes the disciples with transfiguring light atop a mountain. In our day there is still an irrepressible light and love that has its source in God, and by soaking ourselves in it through prayer, we too can be changed into the likeness of Christ day by day. Even when we re experiencing February s cabin cramps that can make us feel surly and owly! So I m not going to preach the standard sermon about our gospel story this morning. The one about the significance of Moses and Elijah who first appear with Jesus on the mountain as they discuss His coming passion and departure in Jerusalem, and then disappear before the disciples eyes, leaving only the dazzling presence of Jesus behind to confirm that he is the Son of God and the fulfillment of God's promises in the Law and Prophets (whom Moses and Elijah represent).

2 Yes, if only the disciples could stay focused and centered on Christ, yet even on their way down the mountain towards Jerusalem and the cross (as we see in the section following this passage), they will become self absorbed and start arguing again over who is the greatest among them. So as an antidote to this tendency to become self absorbed, preoccupied and distracted, and even adversarial with one another as the disciples did, I'd like to focus today on what happens to both Moses and Jesus when they subject themselves to the transfiguring light and love of God in prayer. What happens to them especially Jesus -- that applies to us? We just heard how Jesus went up the mountain to pray with Peter, James and John. By the way, prayer is a constant theme in Luke s gospel, where we see Jesus frequently stealing off to pray amidst all the extraordinary demands on his life and ministry! While on the mountain together in prayer, the appearance of Jesus' face changed gloriously, and everything about him was transfigured and dazzled with light! Moses also went up the mountain, as we heard in our first story. When Moses came down, the skin of his face shone because he had been praying and listening to God. His countenance was radiant because of the radiance imparted to him in the presence of God. He glowed from the encounter, much as the full moon reflects the sun's light on the other side of the solar system. Moses may have been unaware of this at first, but everyone else could see it plainly, so plainly that Moses had to wear a veil in talking to the Israelites! Peter, James and John could also plainly see the radiance that shown in Jesus face and eyes, too. Just like we can see it plainly in each other. We can plainly see the difference, whether our co-worker or friend or spouse or child's countenance is dull, or whether it is bright. Our face and eyes tell the story of the health of our bodies and souls. As the Irish say, "The soul shines out from the eyes of us, just like a great peat fire!" And when the soul's fire has cooled and needs rekindling (as it often does in February), the eyes are the windows that tell of the need. How do we go about restoring the light of our countenance? What reliable practices do we have? What mountains beckon? What form of prayer transfigures us?

3 That seems like a crucial question for all of us who get weighed down at times by the pace and the challenges of life. We put out a lot of energy trying to live lives of commitment in a complex world and do the right thing, but we run down, get frazzled, fatigued, simply move through the paces with disinterest, or become so self absorbed we think it s all about us. So it's important to know when our energy and purposes have dissipated, when our fires and passion have cooled down, when a spiritual intervention is needed. When that happens, it's extremely important to know what reliably works to restore the light of our countenance. Because knowing it, and practicing it, makes all the difference. We all need to know what spiritual practices work for us in our everyday lives. What works for you? What do you do to ward off fatigue and restore the light of your countenance? It doesn't have to be exotic or difficult just reliable. For instance, Jesus didn't talk much about the spiritual value of exercise, of walking, or getting fresh air. He didn't have to because he and the disciples got plenty of it in those days as they walked throughout Galilee, but I bet he'd recommend it today! This shouldn't be too difficult for us who are blessed to live here in the Cedar Rapids Corridor with its beautiful hills and woods, its rivers and streams, its bike paths and ski trails, its excellent recreational facilities. I'm always amazed at how the light of my countenance and good humors are enhanced after some vigorous exercise like walking with friends or lap swimming each week. I'm always fascinated by the bright smiles and cheerful greetings you can count on receiving from those you meet on the trails or indoor tracks, or while practicing tai chi or yoga. Some of my best prayer occurs while moving my body, especially during the quiet rhythms of lap swimming. These are all legitimate forms of body-based prayer that can transfigure those who practice them. What transfigures you? No doubt because Jesus and his disciples were walking all over Palestine, they probably slept pretty well, too. But getting good sleep, getting Sabbath rest, taking your days off, getting vacation time, or retreating to the wilderness or mountains (as Jesus did) are all reliable ways to restore the light of our countenance.

4 What transfigures you? Is it eating healthy, breaking bread and sharing laughter with friends, or our beloved communion as the Body of Christ? Is it reading scripture, or poetry, or some other inspiring works? Is it enjoying human creativity through art and music and theatre? All of these sensible practices can transfigure us in body, mind and spirit. But amidst this busy world, there is really nothing quite like some form of prayer, meditation, quiet, and stillness to transfigure us inwardly and restore the light of our countenance outwardly. This is universally affirmed in every religious tradition. I wake most days to a 15-minute body-based movement a floor practice that both limbers and strengthens the body which then ends with 5-10 minutes or more of silent meditation: Sometimes a form of centering prayer reflecting on a brief passage from scripture. Sometimes a scriptural mantra repeated over and over like Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Sometimes just a silence that deepens beyond passing distractions to become an encounter with God s real loving presence. What about you? Are you one of those who receive and read a daily message to reflect on from the Franciscan author Richard Rohr? Do you read Compline on P. 127 in the Book of Common Prayer each night to help put the day behind and embrace the night in peace? Do you have a phone or ipad app that allows you to tune into the internet monks as they recite and chant monastic prayers as you wake or go to bed? Are you one of those who loves to take home a Lenten daily meditation booklet from Christ Church, two forms of which are being made available this year? Prayer helps us integrate our religious experience and beliefs about the world in daily life. Daily prayer in its many forms reminds us of our most deeply held principles and convictions and gives us inner strength and grace to face life s challenges. It reminds us about the importance of compassion, forgiveness, faith, hope, and love. Above all prayer helps us experience God s love for each and every one of us. Prayer makes us less self-centered, calmer and happier people, and the world a better place. When we quiet the mind and subject ourselves to daily prayer, it is easier to release those negative states of mind that cling to anxiety, fear, anger, hatred and false pride -- because basking in God's light and love through prayer concentrates light and restores love in us. While we humans can see

5 only dimly and know only in part, prayer helps reconnect us to the divine One who already knows us and loves us so fully! As I mentioned earlier and in my weekly , one of the things we'll notice in reading Luke's gospel this lectionary year is how often Jesus resorts to prayer, or draws away to the wilderness or mountain for spiritual direction and renewal. All the critical moments in his life are accompanied by prayer. All his powers come through prayer, and it almost seems that he's the only one with a practice of prayer in Luke's gospel. But if you continue reading the sequel to Luke's gospel, the Book of Acts, you see that after Jesus has departed, the disciples finally get it! In the Acts of the Apostles it is the disciples who are frequently praying and always receiving from prayer the power to do the amazing work they've been given to do. As we turn now from Epiphany towards Lent, beginning this week with Ash Wednesday, I invite you to take up a practice of some daily form of quiet prayer and stillness that can enlighten our souls, restore our countenance, strengthen our hearts, and embolden our ministries. Just a little in the morning, and a little at night can make a big difference! And always pray when you re facing a challenge! If you're uncertain about where to begin, try the brief daily devotions for individuals and families on p. 137 of the BCP that help us center ourselves in prayer and resanctify the hours of the day. And don't forget, as I said before, the wonderful night prayer called Compline that begins on page 127 in the BCP. Through a daily discipline of prayer, both public and private, we can all open ourselves to the Light and Love that mark these overlapping seasons, that divine light and love that seeks a dwelling place in each of us. Remember, too, that beginning one week from this Ash Wednesday February many of us will gather here each Wednesday evening at 5:30 pm for six weeks as we reflect and discuss our Lenten theme this year: What Wondrous Love! Based on the hymn, What wondrous love is this Oh my soul, O my soul that caused the Lord of bliss / to lay aside his life for my soul / for my soul. So as we prepare to walk with Jesus towards Jerusalem this Lent, get thee to your mountain in prayer! And let us begin by enjoying another moment together with dear Sister Silence now. AMEN