“This is my chosen Son; Listen to Him” Luke 9:28b-36
Reflection by Sarah Raven, Good Shepherd Volunteers
Mission, witness, and identity are three overarching themes that can be taken from this text. It is important to note that what precedes this section of text is Jesus talking to his disciples about his upcoming death and resurrection, and the need for believers to take up their cross and follow him. After he gave this impassioned sermon, he retreated to a mountain to pray and took with him three of his closest disciples. What happened next would not have been believed by anyone had there not been witnesses to later testify to the event. Through prayer, God bears witness to Jesus’ redemptive mission on earth. Even the face of Jesus changed and his clothes became dazzling white. In the story of Jesus’ baptism (Luke 3:21-22) God testifies concerning Jesus’ identity; Jesus is a beloved son, the chosen one.
All of my life I have struggled finding my mission. I have looked for an exact calling, a voice from God, a dove, or at least a cloud of witnesses to tell me that I am on the right path. Deciding who I am and what I stand for in the face of so many competing messages from society is not an easy task and I sometimes find myself getting discouraged about my own lack of clarity about what I am called to do. What helps me in these moments of doubt is to take some time and earnestly pray to God for His wisdom and guidance.
Prayer
Lord,
We thank you and praise you on this Transfiguration
Sunday for your gifts of mission, identity, and purpose.
Grant that we remember to seek your guidance
as we bear witness to your
Sunday for your gifts of mission, identity, and purpose.
Grant that we remember to seek your guidance
as we bear witness to your
transformational love.
Amen.
Focus on: Simple Living
Simplicity is the most difficult pillar for me. I love my cell phone and I hardly go a day without access to social media, my tablet, and computer. However, simple living is not just about taking breaks from technology, or living on a stipend, it is also about freeing your mind and being present to the moment without clouding your thoughts with budgets, agendas, or what should happen next. Sometimes God tries to bring transformations into our lives and we miss it entirely. Peter saw Jesus standing with Moses and Elijah and his first thought was to build sukkot (or temporary dwellings) for the three, the text tells us he had no idea what he was really saying because he was caught up in day to day concerns.
Service Suggestion:
Talk to someone you serve or a co-worker about their mission. What do they feel called to do and what are the steps they need to take to get/stay on that path? Ask them how you can assist them in their mission whether it is looking over their resume, being a reference, or simply providing a listening ear.
This reflection is part of our Lenten Series – Download the Lenten Guide Here
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