We would not be very surprised to hear about people feeling "down" or "in
the pits" these days. There are crosses being borne by many. Just when life was
looking so hopeful for some, difficult economic times developed. As
international relations seemed to be brighter, war is a reality. Many
individuals, families, and institutions have been propelled into difficulties
and sadness not of their own making. Serious corruption has been uncovered in
virtually all segments of society, including religious associations. Moreover,
some are experiencing bad times resulting from ill-advised decisions of their
own.
The chronically downhearted feel vindicated as they remind us that misery,
despair and "sickness unto death" are the only realistic visions of human
living; they continue to recite verses of their dismal slogans: "Don't get your
hopes up!" "What do you expect; that's human nature!" "If something can go
wrong, it will." "Hell is other people."
At the other end of the spectrum are the fixed smiles of people living in their
fantasy lands. Convinced that everything is under the direct control of an
always happy God, they insensitively and passively giggle their way through
life, oblivious to strife, denying tragedy, ignoring human folly, and disowning
human responsibility. Hear their verses for times of battles, financial
set-backs, and personal losses: “Now, now, it's all right; Jesus loves
you!” "Say your prayers, and God will take care of everything." "You'll be
fine, just fine!" "Just wait; it'll all work out for the best."
When a former parishioner, a fair-minded businessman, was exploring his
ambivalence toward worship, the Church, and indeed Christianity, he asked
bluntly, "What's in it for me?" The few fellow clergy to whom I've mentioned
this incident have generally agreed that "what's in it for me?" is not a valid
question about Christian commitment, but I'm not so sure.
I suspect that this man would not choose a cheerless faith, because of its
dismal consequences; why deliberately adopt a life-time commitment that is
fundamentally sour? There are many religions and philosophies within which he
could spend his less than a hundred years on this planet, so why opt for
dispiriting gloom and doom?
I know that this man would not commit himself to a scatterbrained faith,
because of its unrealism and irresponsibility. Praising God while denying human
responsibility for the ills of our own making is for the witless, and he was
not that!
Neither the chronic pessimist nor the habitual optimist is what the Gospel of
Christ is about. Rather, God's Word shines for willing people amidst hills and
valleys, on mountaintops and in our hells. God's energizing presence can be
expected amidst our tears as well as our joys.
A salesman told me of the four steps he uses as he seeks to convert people to
his product: (1) the product must be shown effectively; (2) the product's
qualities should be explained carefully; (3) the potential customer must be
convinced that the product will lead to a concrete benefit; and (4) the
salesperson lets the customer make a decision one way or the other. Show,
explain, describe benefits, and let the customer decide. Is it crass to relate
these four steps to the Gospel of Christ?
Consider tonight’s reading from the Gospel, written in the poetic imagery
of faith. What were the disciples shown in Jesus? They began to perceive
their friend and rabbi as uncommon and extraordinary. As if a veil had been
lifted from their eyes, Jesus was seen anew, transfigured in a Light brighter
and more vital than the Law and the Prophets.
What does this Transfiguration explain? Although we do not understand
what happened to Jesus, or whether this was a folktale or photographable event,
we do know what happened to his disciples! As his ministry progressed, they
began to understand their Lord differently. In Jesus God's Word is made
concrete for all humanity. About to go to Jerusalem and face intense suffering
there, Jesus was nonetheless filled with radiant glory and strength to
undertake his difficult ministry.
Of what benefit is God’s Word in Christ to humankind? or, in the
words of my former parishioner, "what's in it for me?" As Jesus was
transfigured, so are the lives of his disciples in every generation. Life is
neither forlorn darkness nor religious giddiness. Rather, fulfilled living is
the New Covenant integrating joyful celebrations with understandable sadness,
realistic hopefulness, the power to cope, and human initiatives graced by the
Spirit. Beholding by faith the light of Christ's countenance does not quickly
or magically solve problems of war, personal relationships, or economics;
however, Christian disciples are strengthened to bear their crosses, grow into
Christ's glorious likeness, and to influence and brighten the lives of others
who are receptive.
Remember step 4? The customer must decide. I'm not sure what my former
parishioner's real decision was, and I've lost touch with him. However, if his
idea of benefits, what's in it for him, required exact measurements or precise
quantities, or that life will become a bed of roses, he will be disappointed in
potential Christian blessings! If he expected a quick fix of life’s
problems and sorrows, that is not the way that the Creator works. Qualities of
life and of relationships with one's neighbors and with God are beyond
yardsticks, scales, and computerized records. Nonetheless, it is an
individual's decision whether or not to embrace the good news of Jesus Christ
with its benefits of a different sort.
The "Transfiguration" was Raphael's last painting. The canvass is divided in
half - the top being the mountain scene, the bottom a scene with the other
disciples, a family with their ill child. The top is godly, harmonious, orderly
and peaceful, the bottom dark, full of clashing angles, manifesting tension.
There it is: Jesus glorious relationship with God in full view of troubled
people; the realism of joy and sorrow; the people's need of God's healing
presence among them. Christ didn't stay on the mountaintop; he came down to
heal the child. To all who will allow themselves to behold the Transfiguration
vision, God's Holy Spirit touches their hearts with hope and with not less than
a healing of their spirits. This is the beneficial Gospel of the Lord for you,
for me, and for others willing to open their hearts and minds.
Each of us may choose to think of our lives as a Transfiguration in
progress. We may perceive that the best of times and the worst of times are
both true and to be expected. We may become free enough to anticipate the one
while experiencing the other, neither hoarding the best times nor despairing
over the worst times. Through this movement from mountain top to valley and
back again, we may be sensitive to God’s presence, ever urging us to use
every moment of life as a time to grow and a time to receive and reach out. We
believe that this ongoing Transfiguration is possible for us because of the
life and ministry of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.