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Last Sunday in Epiphany, 26 February 2006
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, West Valley City, UT

Deanna Sue Adams

In our gospel lesson this morning—on a mountain top—Jesus was Transfigured, “a supernatural change in appearance referring to the event on the mountain,” the only definition given in Webster's Dictionary. Clothing—dazzling white—glowing. Peter, John and James were terrified

Seeing in a different light—that's what was happening on the mountain top—Peter, James and John were looking at a Jesus they couldn't grasp.

Had not they been with Him thru the miracles of healings and the miracles of feeding thousands of followers? The Gospel of Mark is full of these incidents.

But now, on a mountain, Jesus their friend and teacher was standing with two men whose names were known to everyone: Moses and Elijah. The Law and the Prophet. Jesus was more than they had ever thought him to be. He was in this sacred company.

How important is light in everyday life? I sew, and in matching fabric colors there is a great difference between the artificial house lighting and natural sunlight. I have to remember to go to the window if I am in a critical color scheme, otherwise fabrics won't match tones correctly. For those of you who raise indoor plants, you probably have a grow light that is different than the ordinary home lighting.

Today our Scripture lessons are connected even more so than usual. In the Old Testament lesson, we heard how Elijah, the Prophet, was beside himself, scared to death, hiding in a cave. Finally, he hears God, and as he obeys he sees his situation in a different light, and his actions have the consequence of saving his nation.

In the letter of Peter, we see a recap of the mountain experience. Told as the confirmation of Jesus as God's Son, this was an event that was eye witnessed by Peter, John and James: not hearsay.

How often do we see in a Different light? My husband, Ivan, and I were here with you the evening of Father Lee's installation as rector. As Father Dave Bailey talked, I saw St. Stephens in a different light: the frontier church on the west of the interstate. The only Episcopal Church on this side of the freeway who is poised to share the Good News of Christ to thousands as the valley continues to grow. Seeing in a different light will not be enough: the spreading of the Good news requires action.

What does it take to share the Good News? While he was at St. Michaels, Father Lee taught us a new word—metanoia—a change of direction, as in repentance. Metanoia certainly has one seeing in a different light. Any change may involve a deeper commitment of your talents, it may mean a more in-depth knowledge of God's word, it may necessitate a change of view about persons with different ethnic backgrounds: seeing all people as God's own. The change may require something as simple as inviting a neighbor to a church function. Wearing a cross and a smile, calling a person you haven't seen in church for a few weeks. Maybe moving a bit outside one's comfort zone.

As we complete the month of February and all the associated holidays, I am reminded of Martin Luther King and his I Have A Dream speech at the Lincoln Memorial. King also saw in a different light—one he was called to help change—and now several decades later we see the results of those changes which remain on-going.

God sees us in a different light too. Not our petty sinful selves, but His creations who in His image are capable of loving and caring for others; the others we must “see in a different light,“the light of God that illuminates the face of Christ in each of us as we share the Good News of Jesus Christ the Savior. As the Psalmist said in today's lesson, “You speak to my heart and say, ‘Seek my face’ your face Lord will I seek.” In the collect we heard, “O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son, revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross and be changed into His likeness.” It begins by seeing in a different light. AMEN.