With His Touch
A Communion Meditation
Matthew 17:1-9
Exodus 24:12-18
The scripture this morning is the story of the Transfiguration. Transfiguration means transformation, metamorphosis, and indicates that something in the story involved a change. For some this story of the Transfiguration which we hear before Lent is a familiar story, but others are unfamiliar with Jesus’ hike up a mountain with three of his best buddies. This story has parallels that are found in Exodus, where we read times that Moses also climbed up Mount Sinai to meet God, have some important conversations with God, and received the Ten Commandments. On the mountain Moses was surrounded with glory of the Lord. In some of those stories when Moses came down the mountain, he glowed and reflected the glory of God. Meeting God on a mountaintop was a transforming experience.
Today, Jesus asks Peter, James and John, three of his closest disciples to go for a hike up a mountain. When they reached the top, there was a moment when Jesus was transformed and his face shown like the sun and his clothes became as white as light. Then Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, appear talking to Jesus. Peter is so stunned or amazed that the first thing he thinks of is trying to make this amazing situation permanent and he offers to builds three booths – one for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. But a bright cloud appears and covers them all – God speaks to them saying “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him.” It reminds us the word of God at the Baptism of Jesus.
It is only then – that the disciples are filled with fear and they fall down on the ground. The change in Jesus, the appearance of Moses and Elijah, did not seem to scare them – but now enveloped in the cloud they fall to the ground in fear. Maybe it was because they could no longer see Jesus - but there they were on the ground – terrified.
Jesus came over and touched them.
“Get up and don’t be afraid.” And they looked up and saw only Jesus.
And as all mountain top experiences have to end and we have to return to our daily life and routine – the four descend the mountain and Jesus asks them to tell no one what they have seen.
Someone stated this week that Jesus broke their fear with his touch.
Jesus broke their fear with his touch.
I thought about that this week – how Jesus reaches out to us when we are down – filled with fear, or despair, or anger, or anxiety about ourselves or about others – and can break our fear with his touch.
Jesus can break our fear or our tears – with his touch. And that is the image from this text today that I would like to give you to hold onto this week.
That Jesus can break your fears or your tears – with his touch.
Put yourself in this story…..you are one of Jesus’ closest buddies or followers – and you are. You are following him and something amazing or unknown appears in your life. It shakes you – or confuses you – and you are lost in your fears or in your tears or your despair – and you lose sight of Jesus. For whatever reason – your fear paralyzes you or despair overwhelms you – for yourself or maybe for someone you love.
You are down but Jesus comes to you, he touches you. He says your name and says: “get up – keep going – don’t be afraid.” And you get up – because you can’t stay there in that place - and you go on to your daily life and routine – and you keep going and you keep Jesus close by – in your sight and you listen to Him.
Jesus breaks your fears with his touch.
Jesus breaks your tears with his touch.
Jesus so changes and transforms you with his love and compassion – that you get up and you can keep going.
This week as you go back out from here to - your daily routine, may this story, this image of the tender, strong touch of Jesus upon you and may it sustain, encourage and strengthen you.
Amen. |
