Reflection
Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets. Elijah being the prophet who was expected to return to earth and herald the Messiah. The three frightened disciples were dazzled by seeing Jesus, the Messiah in this way, full of light, with these important figures of the Jewish tradition.
In all religions both the Law and the Prophets are needed. The law to regulate behaviour, but also the prophet’s ability to ensure that the spirit of the law is not lost in the meticulous following of rules.
Do you have a sense that this balance of law and the prophetic needs changing today?
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To know Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Setting: A Scripture reading to imagine yourself in the scene.
Scripture
Matthew 17:1-8 WEB
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.
Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here;
if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’
While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them,
and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved;
with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’
When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’
And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Transfiguration: by Brian Wren and Ricky Manalo, sung by Sunday 7pm choir.