Words sometimes fail us, don’t they? There are experiences we have that are just too profound to be easily, or even possibly, described. Do you recall the first time you held your child? Can you recall that trip to a stunningly breathtaking nature scene? Can you remember that conversation you had that turned your world upside down? Have you witnessed an act of costly compassion that moved you to the point of tear”? Has someone told you a story about your life, or theirs, that you never will forget? Consider those things, and then ask yourself: Have I ever been able to describe any of these experiences to anyone in such a way that they grasped the depth and breadth of any of them? Likely, the answer is no.
The biblical story of the transfiguration must be read in this light. In Luke’s Gospel (it is recorded in Matthew and Luke as well) Jesus took his disciples Peter, James and John, up a mountain to pray. While there, Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus, and Jesus’ face and clothing become radiant. Peter, taken with the wonder of the event, suggests building tabernacles for all three, hoping that that can help sustain this holy moment. But sooner rather than later, it is all over, and they are left with Jesus, who directs them back down to the valley. There they encounter a family with a child who a troubled and troubling spirit. The father of the child said he had asked the disciples to help, but they could do nothing. Jesus heals the child, and then speaks to the disciples, noting the challenge of working with such troubled spirits. The two stories form a stark contrast: glory in the mountains, troubie in the valley.
The last painting of the great artist Rapheal seeks to capture these two stories. The story of the transfigured is portrayed in bright tones, with the disciples having fallen to their faces in the presence of such glory. The story of the possessed child is larger, darker, and full of pathos. In both cases, the artist makes clear that the experiences are too powerful to be easily conveyed by description. In our world, both the suffering and the goodness, the brokenness and the healing, must be deeply engaged before they can be deeply known. They cannot be simply portrayed. But what is clear in this story is that the power of the radiance transforms the pain of the broken.
We’ll talk about this Sunday in worship, as the sermon is titled, “The Greatest Story Never Told.” It arises from Exodus 34: 29-35, to be read by Sue Sgambelluri, and Luke 9: 28-36, to be read by Lisa Kurz. We’ll have a Mission Moment by Maria Schmidt, who will discuss a unique path to greater connection in our church community. The Chancel Choir, led by Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will lead us musically. We’ll celebrate Holy Communion, sing, pray and have a time for children. We hope you are able to join us.