Lent 2 Luke 9:28-36 28/02/10 The train from Cardiff to Aberystwyth was unusually crowded. As we stood in the aisle, you could tell we were hikers. Awkwardly, we stuffed heavy backpacks into already overloaded baggage compartments. Excitement seemed to emanate from us. Our conversation was animated as we laughed and focused on our climb up Cader Idris the second highest mountain in Wales. For mountain climbers Cader Idris is the real mountain to climb- no railway to the top or gentle path like Snowden, no ski runs like Ben Nevis! As the train went North, we strained our necks to catch a view of the majestic Welsh mountains. Clouds enveloped the tops of their summits. Soon we would stand at the foot of Cader Idris, straining our necks at another cloud covering that summit. Weary after the four hours on the slow train we found it hard to sleep as our dream soon would become a reality. We were ready — prepared in body, mind, and spirit. What was next? Putting our lives into the hands of a qualified guide to take us on the climb of our lives. In today’s Gospel we find Peter, James, and John at the foot of a mountain. It may have been Mount Hermon or Mount Tabor. When referring to a mountain in the Bible, there is an association often related to the closeness of God and a readiness to hear his words. One of the biblical names for God in Hebrew is EL Shaddai meaning “God of the Mountain”. It is recorded in the Old Testament that God appeared and spoke to Moses and later to Elijah on mountains. In the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke we find Jesus inviting his three closest followers to come with him up the mountain to pray. What an honour to be singled out for that experience. As prepared as these disciples were after spending time with Jesus, they had no idea what awaited them. This mountaintop experience would be the climb of their lives. It definitely would change their lives. Have you ever experienced a life-changing moment? I’m sure you have. It may have been being able to ride your first two-wheeled bicycle. After the trusted training wheels were removed, you shakily mounted. You were probably not alone. A trusted someone was at your side, hands on yours as you tightly gripped the handle bars. Confidence increased knowing someone was there to keep your balance or catch you if you fell. As the bike gained momentum, he let go. You were on your own. The destination was in sight — your house was just a block away. Anticipation built as you continued to go solo. Looking back you realize your achievement didn’t come in one day or even two. I bet your journey had its ups and downs. There might have been humiliating moments like falling off the bike in front of friends. Or leaping from the toppling bike onto the grass. Mum wouldn’t appreciate the grass stain on your jeans. What about those grazed knees? Out came that stinging brown stuff and plasters. Ouch! That part really hurt! But you kept at it. You could hear your Dad’s words along side of you, “I’m right here. We’ll keep trying. It’ll happen.” His confidence built up yours. “Ready! Set! Go!” he called and you were off again. This time, when he let go, you were ready and set, and bicycling down the pavement on your own. “That’s it! You’re doing it. Just keep your eyes on the goal,” a shout from behind came. Then your helper surprised you by running ahead. You saw him there — grin on his face. “You did it! You did it!” What a rush! Victory over fear! Victory over past failures! Victory! Yes, there was victory. That’s what it’s like in our relationship with Jesus, the one we can trust to be at our side, the one whose hand holds yours, the one who takes away your fear, the one who sets you free to solo, the one watching over you. He promises, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Peter and his friends had a life-changing experience on that mountain, you might say it was an “Aha! moment.” Oh, those “Aha! moments” — times that impacted your lives. “Aha! moments” like passing a swimming test and not drowning, jumping over track hurdles and not knocking any down. “Yes! You did it! You made it to the top of your climb!” Going back to school in September, I told of my journey up that Welsh mountain. “My friends and I were as prepared as we could be, but it was the experienced guide who made it possible for us to reach the top.” I had climbed Cader Idris the second highest mountain in Wales and one of the more difficult mountains to climb in the UK. We had braved the elements, accepted the challenges, and rejoiced in the foot-by foot trek over the rocky ground. We’d been encouraged by our friends and our guide. Yes! We did it! Because we had 1
successfully hiked the path others had taken and had identified with every aspect that they had endured, we were ready to encourage others to climb their mountains. Our gospel lesson tells us that while Jesus was praying, the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Then Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. What a glorious moment! A moment the disciples did not want to end. Peter blurted out, “Master, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three booths — one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Luke 9:33 ). As he was speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and terror gripped them. Then from out of that cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him! When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone” (Luke 9:35-36b ). Peter, James, and John heard God clearly state that Jesus was his Son and that they were to listen to him and not to their own ideas or desires. The same applies to us as we follow Jesus, our guide on life’s path. As Isaiah the prophet reminds us, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’ ” (Isaiah 30:21). We listen and step out with confidence for — “Jesus is the way; listen to him.” When the glory of that mountaintop experience disappeared; when the cloud went away and the conversation with heaven was over, Jesus was alone with his disciples. Jesus, their teacher and friend, was really the Son of God. What a confidence builder! If you believe Jesus is God’s Son, if you have confidence and trust in that belief, then surely you will listen and obey. On top of that mountain, three disciples experienced God’s presence. When they came down, their spiritual vision had drastically changed, improved, and helped them to arrive at their destination. Jesus knew his destination — Jerusalem and a cross. He had to follow the path of suffering and what seemed like defeat in the eyes of others. It was only by obedience and the knowledge that God was at his side that he could accomplish the plan of salvation. “Not my will, Father, but yours be done.” God’s will, giving up his life, but only by dying could he give us life here and for eternity. As the hikers looked out from Cader Idris, at the thick Welsh cloud beneath us we knew we had experienced a most memorable time in our lives. We remained silent, basking in the accomplishment, letting it all sink in. We understood that when we came down, our story would not sound as exciting to others. They had not personally experienced the thrill of victory. When Peter, James, and John came down from the mountain, Jesus told them not to tell others what they had seen. It would be hard for they had seen and experienced God’s kingdom and its mysteries. It really was an “Aha! moment.” It is time for each of us to embark on our own personal journey with Jesus as our guide. Are you ready? Are you spiritually fit and equipped? Are you willing to listen and obey the voice of God? Then ready, set, go! And don’t be surprised when God sends you out to share the good news with everyone in our homes, our communities, our nation, and yes, even the nations of the world. Do not fear for he will be with you. Who knows? You might even get to climb to the top of a mighty mountain. And when you return from your own Cader Idris — your personal mountaintop experiences with the Lord — you will want to tell others that they, too, can experience victory in Jesus! So, let’s go and climb a mountain today! The Lord is with us. Fr Robert Newton Amen.
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