A NEW, OLD COVENANT

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 17:1-9
The Transfiguration of our Lord

To his disciples and followers, Jesus must have seemed like someone wholly new and unique. His wisdom and power amazed them and left them wondering about his new teachings and extraordinary authority. As Peter, James, and John join Jesus on the mountain, they see yet another new thing as Jesus is transfigured before them. This experience, however, is not disconnected from God’s past works: Jesus is accompanied by Moses and Elijah, and the disciples hear the voice of God. Jesus’ transfiguration is a new part of the old story of God creating life in the world. As they descend, Jesus points ahead to another unprecedented experience that is to come: his death and resurrection. Change is wrapped up in God’s continuity.

Humans are challenged by change, which seems to be even more present in a world defined by instant-communication channels and headline news. Change is particularly difficult when new ideas or experiences upend our long-held beliefs about the world around us. Change can be even more difficult when such experiences push us to rethink what we believe about God. It is easier to hunker down in the comfort of what we have always known than to admit we are wrong and work to think and live differently.

The amazing thing about God’s story is that it has always encompassed all of who we are and all of the change we have experienced or ever will. God’s grace gathers up everything from the beginning of creation to the promised heavenly feast, and every broken and blessed bit in between, each new covenant consistent with the old. When we gather in confession, we admit that we have been wrong, and we are blessed into newness by the forgiveness found in the words of absolution. The font and table further remind us that God makes all things new, and that God’s continuity holds grace-filled space for our beloved transformation.


From sundaysandseasons.com.
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