The Feast of Transfiguration Year C - Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)

Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)

The lectionary allows the option of including the verses that describe what happens after Jesus comes down the mountain and while it might appear to be two different stories they belong together. The transfigured Jesus talking with the law giver and the end of all things prophet is sent to be with and bear with the faithless and perverse generation. “How long…” is a lament not a rebuke and has more to do with Jesus than the perverse generation for Jesus knows he will be with this perverse generation until he bears their perversity in his own person. How do you give up glory when you know that? You do it for a father who cries out “Teacher, I beg you…” You do it for an only son convulsed and mauled and beaten by a demon. You do it for well meaning but ineffective disciples. You do it because that is what love does. The beloved only Son is convulsed and mauled and beaten and killed for the faithless and perverse of every generation, every last one of us. If the disciples want to stay on the mountain and bask in the glory how much more so Jesus who has every reason to stay in the booth Peter offers to build but chooses to come off the mountain so that he can eventually climb a lonely hill.