This week’s reading brings us to a high mountain with Jesus and a few of his closest disciples. While there, away from the crowds and other followers, Jesus is transfigured, appearing more beautiful and elevated, with unearthly-white dazzling clothes. Two great heroes of Jewish history have appeared and are there chatting with him. We read that the followers are terrified (rightly so!) True to form, Peter speaks up, offering to make shelters for Jesus and Elijah and Moses. He has barely finished speaking when a heavenly voice from a cloud comes, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” All at once, everything went back to normal, leaving just the usual Jesus and the three disciples.
Peter (who is also called Simon until Jesus changes his name) speaks up quite often in the gospels. He is often impulsive or brash. Peter is not a quiet or deferential follower. He speaks his mind, pushes back and even disagrees with and contradicts Jesus. Peter is one of so many less-than-ideal examples we find in scripture; people of God who don’t get everything right and yet are beloved by God and used to carry out God’s mission.
This encounter on the mountain top has me thinking about the various ways people respond when they are afraid. Peter needs to do something. He starts talking, offering to be of help, suggests taking some action. Sometimes when people are afraid, we freeze or shut down, immobilized by what frightens us. Other times, we become aggressive or combative, initiating attacks or blame. Yet other times we look for an escape, trying to ignore or avoid the situation.
In this week’s story, the voice from the cloud has an additional suggestion (instruction, really). Listen to Jesus. Along with Peter and the others, we are invited to listen to the words of Jesus in the Gospels. We listen as he teaches, heals people, and encounters religious authorities. We are also invited to listen as God comes to us in conversations with people who care about us, in times of prayer with others or alone, and even in random moments when we realize something or find clarity.
We do not have to manage on our own or be limited by our initial response. We can reach out for help, realizing that God is moving in the people and other resources in our lives – so many gifts from God. In times of terror or fear or distress, we can turn to God. We can listen for hope, guidance, reassurance, and direction. In listening, we may realize what is needed, or we may notice where we can seek help, or see how things will resolve on their own. God is with us as we sort it out.
Peace,