The Transfiguration
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series III, Cycle C
The Church Year Theological Clue
The theological signal is very distinct, especially in the year of St. Luke, in the three churches which celebrate, if only in the readings, the Transfiguration of Our Lord on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany. God's manifestation of himself in the birth and baptism of Jesus is repeated in a different manner when Jesus was transfigured on the mountaintop. Jesus' baptism is affirmed once more when the word God spoke on that first occasion is repeated: "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" So the Epiphany season concludes with this announcement, and the liturgically informed realize that the beginning of Lent is only three days away. It is this same Jesus, whom God has revealed as his Chosen One, who will be humiliated, tortured, and executed by the Romans, but at the behest of the religious leaders of the Jews. Jesus' transfiguration is not the end of the story, but the turning point, because he has to come down from the mountain, go up to Jerusalem and be crucified on a little hill overlooking the city's garbage dump. On this note, which introduces the ultimate mystery of Jesus' death and resurrection, the Christmas cycle and the season of Epiphany come to a fitting conclusion, and the story of Jesus promises to become more complicated and, to many of us, more confounding.
The Prayer Of The Day
The first of two LBW prayers reads, as follows: "Almighty God, on the mountain you showed your glory in the transfiguration of your Son. Give us the vision to see beyond the turmoil of the world and to behold the king in all his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever."
The Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 99 (E); 99:1-5 (L) - The Book of Common Prayer appoints this psalm in its entirety for Year A, as well as for Year C, mainly because it accommodates the Transfiguration of Our Lord so well:
The Lord is great in Zion;
he is high above all people.
Let them confess his name,
which is great and awesome;
he is the Holy One.
This announcement is followed by a command (verse 5):
Proclaim the greatness
of the Lord our God
and fall down before his footstool;
he is the Holy One.
This, in turn is amplified in the last verse of the psalm:
Proclaim the greatness
of the Lord our God
and worship him upon his holy hill;
for the Lord our God
is the Holy One.
And so, this psalm connects the first reading with the Gospel for the Day and closes the gap between Epiphany and Lent.
Psalm Prayer (99 - LBW) - "Lord our God, king of the universe, you love what is right. Lead us in your righteousness, that we may live and praise you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
The Readings
Exodus 34:29-35 (E, C) - The story of the theophany that Moses experienced on Mount Sinai is quite appropriate for the Sunday on which the Transfiguration story is read as the Gospel for the Day. God "spoke" to Moses on the mountain, told him what to write on the two tablets of stone, and sent him down to instruct the people of Israel. The people knew that Moses had been with God because his face radiated the glory of God - it "shone" so brightly that it nearly blinded the people and he had to cover his face with a veil. His face reflected God's glory, whereas the disciples saw Jesus' glory but their faces did not shine the way that Moses did, which is why they were able to keep the story of what happened on the mountain to themselves. The writer says that when Moses went back up the mountain, every single time he took off the veil in the presence of God, and his face was recharged with God's glory and had to be veiled once more on his descent from Mount Sinai. When one remembers the Transfiguration, even the glory that transfigured Jesus was gone - no trace of it, but in the story told later by Peter, James and John - apparently before he came down from that mountain. But the world has heard the story and knows that it was the Jesus, who had been baptized by John in the Jordan, who was claimed by God in that glorious action on the summit of another Sinai.
Deuteronomy 34:1-12 (L) - This selection was made for Cycle C of the Lutheran lectionary primarily because it speaks to the uniqueness of Luke's gospel, which says that Moses and Elijah were speaking to Jesus about "his departure" soon to take place on a cross outside of Jerusalem. Moses was allowed to ascend to the "top of Pisgah" and see the land that God had promised to his people: "This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.... I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there." In Jesus' case, he was to "go over there," to Jerusalem, and that would be the place of his "departure," his death. So, according to the story, Joshua, who had been blessed and anointed by Moses, took over the leadership of the people, and the writer editorializes: "And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, who the Lord knew face to face, none like him for all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do ... and for all the mighty power and all the great and terrible deeds which Moses wrought in the sight of all Israel. "But, finally, a "mightier one" - Jesus - was born, was baptized, taught, preached, and ministered, was crucified, rose again, and began his reign that will last forever.
Sirach 27:4-7 (RC) - This little snippet of chapter 27 of this apocryphal book offers a gem of wisdom about judging other people, either as wise or foolish, good or bad, until they have spoken. A person's character and personality traits, according to Jesus ben Sirach, are revealed in that person's speech. "A man's words may betray him," or one's conversation may show one to be a person of quality, conviction, and faith. The writer is suggesting that one should refrain from judging others, not only until they have done something to reveal what they themselves are like, but until one has examined one's self, faced up to one's own sin, confessed it, been forgiven, and then, only humbly, dare to praise or criticize what another person says or does.
1 Corinthians 12:27--13:13 (E) - This was the second reading for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany in the Roman Catholic and Lutheran lectionaries. It was discussed above.
1 Corinthians 15:54-58 (RC) - The second reading continues what Paul has to say about death and resurrection in this great "resurrection chapter" of his letter to the Corinthian congregation. Only when life is overcome by death can the process be reversed so that death will be, as Isaiah believed, "swallowed up in victory." So Paul contends, "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." The reading closes with Paul's exhortation to keep the faith and to live in hope: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 (C); 4:3-6 (L) - The reading in the Common lectionary refers to the hope of Christians, which is "unveiled" before the world so that people might see God's glory reflected in his children and what they do and say in their lives, rather than being hidden from people by a "veil," similar to that which hid Moses' face and God's glory shining forth from it from the children of Israel. Paul's "keep the faith and hope in the Lord" and with "unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord" becomes an exhortation to the Corinthians to fulfill their ministry and witness faithfully to the Lord in the world.
Luke 6:39-45 (RC) - The ORDO is the only lectionary that would prescribe the reading of this parable, close to the end of Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain." It is that familiar parable which begins with a question, "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?" It suggests that a person must first be able to see his own faults and get rid of them before attempting to instruct, or worse, to judge, other people: "You hypocrite," Jesus says to people who are blind to their own faults, "first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." Flagrant and unrepentant sinners do not make very good religious instructors or leaders, according to Jesus. It is critical for those who minister in Jesus' name to "get right with God" before they attempt to minister to others.
Luke 9:28-36 (E, L, C) - There is one major difference between Luke's account of the Transfiguration and that of Matthew and Mark; Luke indicates what Moses and Elijah were talking about with Jesus; he is the only one who divulges that the subject matter of that mountaintop meeting was the impending death of Jesus. Most of the other details are so similar that minor differences really don't matter too much. All three evangelists relate how Jesus went on a retreat, took Peter, James, and John with him and was transformed before them. Two figures were seen talking with Jesus, a cloud enveloped the top of the mountain, it frightened them, and they heard a voice call out, "This is my Son; listen to him," and then the visionary experience ended and they left the mountain (oddly enough, Jesus orders the disciples to keep silent about the experience in Mark and Matthew, but not in Luke's story.) The voice - God's - speaking out in this manner distinguishes Jesus from the two prophets from the past; he only is the Son of God, the One God promised to send to save his people. Epiphany ends on this note, which affirms the stories of his birth and his baptism and identifies him forever as the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
Sermon Suggestions, Synopses, Sketches, Stories
Luke 9:28-36 (E, L, C) - "A Strange Retreat." - That's what it was - a strange retreat - because Jesus went up on a mountain in Galilee, took the "inner circle" of the disciples, Peter, James, and John, with him for some unknown reason. Could it be that he expected something odd to happen on the mountain, and that he wanted them to be witnesses of such an event? He couldn't have expected God to appear and speak to him, as he did to Moses, could he?
As they did on at least one other occasion when he engaged in a "prayer retreat" - in the garden on the night he was betrayed - the disciples fell asleep! They almost missed the extravaganza, because the transfiguration of Jesus began while they were asleep. (Our seminary used to send supply preachers out to a small congregation without a pastor which was different from any other parish we sent supply preachers to; the same middle-aged man always sat about five rows directly in front of the pulpit. He was the only person I have ever seen who would fall sound asleep almost as soon as the sermon began. Not only that, but he snored loudly. It became something of a challenge to see if any of the supply preachers could keep him awake. As far as I know, no one succeeded. I don't know if he heard anything that the preachers said over the years, but he would have made a great disciple, as far as falling to sleep while Jesus prayed is concerned!)
Something awakened them from that sound sleep and what they saw must have convinced them that they were still sleeping and dreaming. They saw Jesus in a new light, a great "Light" that changed his appearance and made his clothing "dazzling white." They also saw, or thought they saw, two great prophets from the past, Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. They could have thought it was a feat of magic, an illusion.
They even heard what Moses and Elijah were talking to Jesus about - his impending death in Jerusalem. And that must really have convinced them that this was a dream. The dream-like vision suddenly became a nightmare! Jesus was going up to Jerusalem to die. If there was any sleep left in them, that conversation shook all the sand out of their eyes and they were fully awake and aware of what was really happening on that mountain.
But they didn't know what to do or say, so as usual "Mr. Bluster," Simon Peter, spoke up and proposed a small building project to initiate a "feast of booths" on the top of that mountain. He and the others really didn't comprehend what was happening and what they heard, because his proposal reveals that he thought all three were divine, and that Moses and Elijah had equal status with Jesus! They just didn't understand, did they?
At that point, God spoke: "This (Jesus) is my Son, my chosen; listen to him!" That stopped their babbling and eliminated any thoughts they had about building three booths on the mountaintop. Jesus was really God's beloved Son so they listened and went down from the mountain with Jesus and kept the incident a secret until after his death and resurrection. Then they told all who would listen, "This Jesus is the Lord, the Son of God; listen to him and hear the good news he brings to the world."
Luke 6:39-45 (RC) - "Two Parables."
1. "Parable of the Blind Man." Unless the blind man is able to "see" - with special training and a dog or a cane - he might get into difficulty that could cost him his life, let alone be a guide for other people. (I used to see a blind man in Philadelphia with a dog, which would lead the man from the trolley car, down the steps of the subway, and take him to a spot on the platform, where he might fall on the rails or in front of a train. That blind man could "see" through his dog. Now I see a blind man at a small shopping center near our home. He always seems to be near the entrance, winter or summer, tapping with his cane while cars go in and out. He never steps in front of a car, never stumbles and falls, because he can see, through his cane and, I am certain, through hearing that compensates for his loss of vision.) Christians have to be able to "see," to have their spiritual vision restored by the recognition of their sins, confession, and the forgiveness of God, before they can help other people travel on the road that leads to eternal life.
2. To do "good" in the world, that is, for a person to live a life that is bountiful to other people and to God, one has to be a genuine and faithful child of God. One's heart must be "true." As Shakespeare said, "This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man."
3. Those who are "good to the core" in heart, mind, and soul are the only ones who might lead others "along the way" to Christ and his kingdom.
Exodus 34:29-35 (E, C) - "Charged Up."
1. It took God 40 days to "charge up" Moses on Mount Sinai and to prepare him for taking the two tablets of the covenant, the Ten Commandments, to the people.
2. Moses was changed in two ways, his "glowing face" and the stone tablets he carried, but the people seemed more impressed by his glowing countenance than the stone tablets. He had to wear a veil to protect them from the radiation.
3. Before God, Moses' veil was removed; no one can hide his face from God!
4. God recharges the spiritual batteries of those who belong to him and turn to him in confession and true humility. He gives them - us - new life in Jesus and his word.
Deuteronomy 34:1-12 (L) (over against Luke 9:28-46) - "The Paradox Of The Two Mountains."
1. Moses climbed that mountain opposite Jericho and he saw the Promised Land, which he would never be allowed to enter because he had disobeyed God and sinned.
2. Jesus climbed a mountain north of Jerusalem and, though he was miles from the Holy city, he saw a cross there to which he would be nailed because he had obeyed God and had committed no sin.
3. Through Moses, God had to select and anoint a new leader, Joshua, to lead the people into that Promised Land.
4. God raised up Jesus, his Son, to open up the everlasting kingdom for all believers.
Sirach 27:4-7 (RC) - "Give-away."
1. What we say gives us away, shows what we really are.
2. Conversation is the test of character, according to Jesus ben Sirach.
3. Our words reveal our feelings, possibly more than anything else.
4. Listen to people and to God and learn what both really are like.
1 Corinthians 15:54-58 (RC) - "The ultimate Mystery."
1. Moses had to put a veil over his face after he met with God; that veil was always between the people and God and, in a way, became the veil of the temple before the Holy of Holies.
2. Jesus faced the world with an unveiled face after his experience on the mountain. He removed a veil - not on the mountain, but on the cross (when he died, "the veil in the temple was rent from top to bottom") - and people know God's truth and have access to their Lord.
3. In and through the "unveiled" gospel of our Lord, God penetrates and unveils our hearts and mind so that, as we hear and believe the word, we might know, "the glory of God in the face of Christ" and live with him forever.
Note: The two selections (Common and Lutheran) need each other in this sermon suggestion.
The theological signal is very distinct, especially in the year of St. Luke, in the three churches which celebrate, if only in the readings, the Transfiguration of Our Lord on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany. God's manifestation of himself in the birth and baptism of Jesus is repeated in a different manner when Jesus was transfigured on the mountaintop. Jesus' baptism is affirmed once more when the word God spoke on that first occasion is repeated: "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" So the Epiphany season concludes with this announcement, and the liturgically informed realize that the beginning of Lent is only three days away. It is this same Jesus, whom God has revealed as his Chosen One, who will be humiliated, tortured, and executed by the Romans, but at the behest of the religious leaders of the Jews. Jesus' transfiguration is not the end of the story, but the turning point, because he has to come down from the mountain, go up to Jerusalem and be crucified on a little hill overlooking the city's garbage dump. On this note, which introduces the ultimate mystery of Jesus' death and resurrection, the Christmas cycle and the season of Epiphany come to a fitting conclusion, and the story of Jesus promises to become more complicated and, to many of us, more confounding.
The Prayer Of The Day
The first of two LBW prayers reads, as follows: "Almighty God, on the mountain you showed your glory in the transfiguration of your Son. Give us the vision to see beyond the turmoil of the world and to behold the king in all his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever."
The Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 99 (E); 99:1-5 (L) - The Book of Common Prayer appoints this psalm in its entirety for Year A, as well as for Year C, mainly because it accommodates the Transfiguration of Our Lord so well:
The Lord is great in Zion;
he is high above all people.
Let them confess his name,
which is great and awesome;
he is the Holy One.
This announcement is followed by a command (verse 5):
Proclaim the greatness
of the Lord our God
and fall down before his footstool;
he is the Holy One.
This, in turn is amplified in the last verse of the psalm:
Proclaim the greatness
of the Lord our God
and worship him upon his holy hill;
for the Lord our God
is the Holy One.
And so, this psalm connects the first reading with the Gospel for the Day and closes the gap between Epiphany and Lent.
Psalm Prayer (99 - LBW) - "Lord our God, king of the universe, you love what is right. Lead us in your righteousness, that we may live and praise you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
The Readings
Exodus 34:29-35 (E, C) - The story of the theophany that Moses experienced on Mount Sinai is quite appropriate for the Sunday on which the Transfiguration story is read as the Gospel for the Day. God "spoke" to Moses on the mountain, told him what to write on the two tablets of stone, and sent him down to instruct the people of Israel. The people knew that Moses had been with God because his face radiated the glory of God - it "shone" so brightly that it nearly blinded the people and he had to cover his face with a veil. His face reflected God's glory, whereas the disciples saw Jesus' glory but their faces did not shine the way that Moses did, which is why they were able to keep the story of what happened on the mountain to themselves. The writer says that when Moses went back up the mountain, every single time he took off the veil in the presence of God, and his face was recharged with God's glory and had to be veiled once more on his descent from Mount Sinai. When one remembers the Transfiguration, even the glory that transfigured Jesus was gone - no trace of it, but in the story told later by Peter, James and John - apparently before he came down from that mountain. But the world has heard the story and knows that it was the Jesus, who had been baptized by John in the Jordan, who was claimed by God in that glorious action on the summit of another Sinai.
Deuteronomy 34:1-12 (L) - This selection was made for Cycle C of the Lutheran lectionary primarily because it speaks to the uniqueness of Luke's gospel, which says that Moses and Elijah were speaking to Jesus about "his departure" soon to take place on a cross outside of Jerusalem. Moses was allowed to ascend to the "top of Pisgah" and see the land that God had promised to his people: "This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.... I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there." In Jesus' case, he was to "go over there," to Jerusalem, and that would be the place of his "departure," his death. So, according to the story, Joshua, who had been blessed and anointed by Moses, took over the leadership of the people, and the writer editorializes: "And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, who the Lord knew face to face, none like him for all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do ... and for all the mighty power and all the great and terrible deeds which Moses wrought in the sight of all Israel. "But, finally, a "mightier one" - Jesus - was born, was baptized, taught, preached, and ministered, was crucified, rose again, and began his reign that will last forever.
Sirach 27:4-7 (RC) - This little snippet of chapter 27 of this apocryphal book offers a gem of wisdom about judging other people, either as wise or foolish, good or bad, until they have spoken. A person's character and personality traits, according to Jesus ben Sirach, are revealed in that person's speech. "A man's words may betray him," or one's conversation may show one to be a person of quality, conviction, and faith. The writer is suggesting that one should refrain from judging others, not only until they have done something to reveal what they themselves are like, but until one has examined one's self, faced up to one's own sin, confessed it, been forgiven, and then, only humbly, dare to praise or criticize what another person says or does.
1 Corinthians 12:27--13:13 (E) - This was the second reading for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany in the Roman Catholic and Lutheran lectionaries. It was discussed above.
1 Corinthians 15:54-58 (RC) - The second reading continues what Paul has to say about death and resurrection in this great "resurrection chapter" of his letter to the Corinthian congregation. Only when life is overcome by death can the process be reversed so that death will be, as Isaiah believed, "swallowed up in victory." So Paul contends, "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." The reading closes with Paul's exhortation to keep the faith and to live in hope: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 (C); 4:3-6 (L) - The reading in the Common lectionary refers to the hope of Christians, which is "unveiled" before the world so that people might see God's glory reflected in his children and what they do and say in their lives, rather than being hidden from people by a "veil," similar to that which hid Moses' face and God's glory shining forth from it from the children of Israel. Paul's "keep the faith and hope in the Lord" and with "unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord" becomes an exhortation to the Corinthians to fulfill their ministry and witness faithfully to the Lord in the world.
Luke 6:39-45 (RC) - The ORDO is the only lectionary that would prescribe the reading of this parable, close to the end of Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain." It is that familiar parable which begins with a question, "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?" It suggests that a person must first be able to see his own faults and get rid of them before attempting to instruct, or worse, to judge, other people: "You hypocrite," Jesus says to people who are blind to their own faults, "first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." Flagrant and unrepentant sinners do not make very good religious instructors or leaders, according to Jesus. It is critical for those who minister in Jesus' name to "get right with God" before they attempt to minister to others.
Luke 9:28-36 (E, L, C) - There is one major difference between Luke's account of the Transfiguration and that of Matthew and Mark; Luke indicates what Moses and Elijah were talking about with Jesus; he is the only one who divulges that the subject matter of that mountaintop meeting was the impending death of Jesus. Most of the other details are so similar that minor differences really don't matter too much. All three evangelists relate how Jesus went on a retreat, took Peter, James, and John with him and was transformed before them. Two figures were seen talking with Jesus, a cloud enveloped the top of the mountain, it frightened them, and they heard a voice call out, "This is my Son; listen to him," and then the visionary experience ended and they left the mountain (oddly enough, Jesus orders the disciples to keep silent about the experience in Mark and Matthew, but not in Luke's story.) The voice - God's - speaking out in this manner distinguishes Jesus from the two prophets from the past; he only is the Son of God, the One God promised to send to save his people. Epiphany ends on this note, which affirms the stories of his birth and his baptism and identifies him forever as the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
Sermon Suggestions, Synopses, Sketches, Stories
Luke 9:28-36 (E, L, C) - "A Strange Retreat." - That's what it was - a strange retreat - because Jesus went up on a mountain in Galilee, took the "inner circle" of the disciples, Peter, James, and John, with him for some unknown reason. Could it be that he expected something odd to happen on the mountain, and that he wanted them to be witnesses of such an event? He couldn't have expected God to appear and speak to him, as he did to Moses, could he?
As they did on at least one other occasion when he engaged in a "prayer retreat" - in the garden on the night he was betrayed - the disciples fell asleep! They almost missed the extravaganza, because the transfiguration of Jesus began while they were asleep. (Our seminary used to send supply preachers out to a small congregation without a pastor which was different from any other parish we sent supply preachers to; the same middle-aged man always sat about five rows directly in front of the pulpit. He was the only person I have ever seen who would fall sound asleep almost as soon as the sermon began. Not only that, but he snored loudly. It became something of a challenge to see if any of the supply preachers could keep him awake. As far as I know, no one succeeded. I don't know if he heard anything that the preachers said over the years, but he would have made a great disciple, as far as falling to sleep while Jesus prayed is concerned!)
Something awakened them from that sound sleep and what they saw must have convinced them that they were still sleeping and dreaming. They saw Jesus in a new light, a great "Light" that changed his appearance and made his clothing "dazzling white." They also saw, or thought they saw, two great prophets from the past, Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. They could have thought it was a feat of magic, an illusion.
They even heard what Moses and Elijah were talking to Jesus about - his impending death in Jerusalem. And that must really have convinced them that this was a dream. The dream-like vision suddenly became a nightmare! Jesus was going up to Jerusalem to die. If there was any sleep left in them, that conversation shook all the sand out of their eyes and they were fully awake and aware of what was really happening on that mountain.
But they didn't know what to do or say, so as usual "Mr. Bluster," Simon Peter, spoke up and proposed a small building project to initiate a "feast of booths" on the top of that mountain. He and the others really didn't comprehend what was happening and what they heard, because his proposal reveals that he thought all three were divine, and that Moses and Elijah had equal status with Jesus! They just didn't understand, did they?
At that point, God spoke: "This (Jesus) is my Son, my chosen; listen to him!" That stopped their babbling and eliminated any thoughts they had about building three booths on the mountaintop. Jesus was really God's beloved Son so they listened and went down from the mountain with Jesus and kept the incident a secret until after his death and resurrection. Then they told all who would listen, "This Jesus is the Lord, the Son of God; listen to him and hear the good news he brings to the world."
Luke 6:39-45 (RC) - "Two Parables."
1. "Parable of the Blind Man." Unless the blind man is able to "see" - with special training and a dog or a cane - he might get into difficulty that could cost him his life, let alone be a guide for other people. (I used to see a blind man in Philadelphia with a dog, which would lead the man from the trolley car, down the steps of the subway, and take him to a spot on the platform, where he might fall on the rails or in front of a train. That blind man could "see" through his dog. Now I see a blind man at a small shopping center near our home. He always seems to be near the entrance, winter or summer, tapping with his cane while cars go in and out. He never steps in front of a car, never stumbles and falls, because he can see, through his cane and, I am certain, through hearing that compensates for his loss of vision.) Christians have to be able to "see," to have their spiritual vision restored by the recognition of their sins, confession, and the forgiveness of God, before they can help other people travel on the road that leads to eternal life.
2. To do "good" in the world, that is, for a person to live a life that is bountiful to other people and to God, one has to be a genuine and faithful child of God. One's heart must be "true." As Shakespeare said, "This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man."
3. Those who are "good to the core" in heart, mind, and soul are the only ones who might lead others "along the way" to Christ and his kingdom.
Exodus 34:29-35 (E, C) - "Charged Up."
1. It took God 40 days to "charge up" Moses on Mount Sinai and to prepare him for taking the two tablets of the covenant, the Ten Commandments, to the people.
2. Moses was changed in two ways, his "glowing face" and the stone tablets he carried, but the people seemed more impressed by his glowing countenance than the stone tablets. He had to wear a veil to protect them from the radiation.
3. Before God, Moses' veil was removed; no one can hide his face from God!
4. God recharges the spiritual batteries of those who belong to him and turn to him in confession and true humility. He gives them - us - new life in Jesus and his word.
Deuteronomy 34:1-12 (L) (over against Luke 9:28-46) - "The Paradox Of The Two Mountains."
1. Moses climbed that mountain opposite Jericho and he saw the Promised Land, which he would never be allowed to enter because he had disobeyed God and sinned.
2. Jesus climbed a mountain north of Jerusalem and, though he was miles from the Holy city, he saw a cross there to which he would be nailed because he had obeyed God and had committed no sin.
3. Through Moses, God had to select and anoint a new leader, Joshua, to lead the people into that Promised Land.
4. God raised up Jesus, his Son, to open up the everlasting kingdom for all believers.
Sirach 27:4-7 (RC) - "Give-away."
1. What we say gives us away, shows what we really are.
2. Conversation is the test of character, according to Jesus ben Sirach.
3. Our words reveal our feelings, possibly more than anything else.
4. Listen to people and to God and learn what both really are like.
1 Corinthians 15:54-58 (RC) - "The ultimate Mystery."
1. Moses had to put a veil over his face after he met with God; that veil was always between the people and God and, in a way, became the veil of the temple before the Holy of Holies.
2. Jesus faced the world with an unveiled face after his experience on the mountain. He removed a veil - not on the mountain, but on the cross (when he died, "the veil in the temple was rent from top to bottom") - and people know God's truth and have access to their Lord.
3. In and through the "unveiled" gospel of our Lord, God penetrates and unveils our hearts and mind so that, as we hear and believe the word, we might know, "the glory of God in the face of Christ" and live with him forever.
Note: The two selections (Common and Lutheran) need each other in this sermon suggestion.
