Characteristics of Transfiguration

 

for Transfiguration Sunday

 

A number of years ago, I introduced the congregation to an exercise where you were asked to reflect on the three descriptive words you would want people to use at your retirement or at your death to describe you. I suggested that these descriptors were virtues to focus on and to use to define your work, play, and life.

For those who did the exercise, do you remember what descriptors you chose?

The descriptors I chose – the way I wanted to be remembered – were: faithful, authentic, and engaged.

I have been revisiting these descriptors this week.  First, because I wonder if they have changed due to circumstance and a re-evaluation of priorities, or what I feel the world needs. So from the perspective of being a leader and living through pandemic – how do I act and how do I want to be remembered for my contribution through this time? And second, in conversation with the scripture texts, looking at the characteristics of Elijah and Jesus, I contemplated what words Elisha and the disciples would have used to describe their particular teacher – and what that meant for them.

 

The Elijah stories that fill the book of 1^st Kings are fantastical stories. Elijah is a charismatic sort of person:  powerful and prophetic. He has an  authority about him, one could say ordained, where each action comes from a faithfulness, righteousness, and a trust in God.  In the stories we hear that Elijah is prayerful – when in public and when sulking, or fighting inner fear and depression.  There is a perseverance shown where he keeps on going even when he feels like the only prophet left – the only human staying true to God. His actions are bold, showy, spectacular even; and at the same time a quiet miracle worker in the intimacy of peoples’ homes.

Juxtaposed to Elijah and his character – the biblical record recounts the upheaval of the time marked by long droughts, and war after war – and how the kings of Israel did not address the needs of the people whom they were to be serving. The kings are characterized as: wicked, evil, unfaithful, war-mongers, apostates (meaning they have turned their back to God). They are seen as unrighteous, irresponsible, and self-absorbed. The text uses words like  immoral, idolaters, corrupt, and inflictors of suffering.

 

A similar comparison can be made in 1^st century Judea, between Jesus and the leaders of his day.

The Jesus stories that fill the Gospels are fantastical stories. Jesus is a charismatic sort of person: powerful and has an authority about him; holy with a purpose that is bigger than himself.   He is as teacher, prophet, healer, miracle worker.  Considered wise, along with being friend, he has moments of being a rebel, fear-less, a visionary (meaning talks about the big picture, a fullness of God’s kin-dom). We see Jesus also as prayerful, stepping aside -to a quiet place- to talk to God.

Juxtaposed to Jesus and his character – the biblical record recounts the upheaval of the time marked by Roman occupation, political and religious turmoil, social injustices – and how the rulers, scribes and Pharisees of the Judean people did not address the needs of the people whom they were to be serving.  The leaders are characterized as: powerless, unrighteous, harsh, self-serving, political pawns, corrupt, and sell-outs. They are seen as lacking vision, slow in comprehension, compassionless, showing no mercy, being judgemental, and when praying making it a show in the marketplace.

 

Elijah and Jesus are noticed by others in their times because they stand in contrast to the leaders who had been given responsibility for the welfare of the people. Each had followers who were drawn in by their character and an invitation to come and be a part of their good news sharing.   Elisha and disciples followed  their respected teacher/mentor; choosing characteristics to make their own and live into. In their following, both Elisha and the disciples witness the dramatic deaths of their teacher. In both cases the mantel of the teacher was laid on the shoulders of the followers.  Elisha and the disciples demonstrate that the power and authority- the spirit- of their teacher goes on living through them and doubles, and as the good news is shared it continues to multiply and bear fruit.

Elisha and the disciples end up being that juxtaposed presence to challenge the ways of the world and a thorn in the side to those who fell into the world’s ways – just as their mentors were.

 

I think that the exercise of choosing descriptors to live into, can be done in a different way. Rather than pulling out the characteristics from thin air; start by considering the characteristics of the Bible characters presented to us this morning, which characteristic draws your attention.  Can you be that or try to be that, help someone else be that, or support someone who is that?

We can also take a look around our neighbourhoods, communities, and the world.  We can reflect on the state of the world and the ways of the world that people get trapped in – and then look for those who stand as a juxtaposed presence.   These should be our teachers and mentors – people whose character we want to emulate or pass along and share.

Consider such a person. Choose a characteristic of that person – that juxtaposed presence. Pick one – or pick a few- name the qualities you admire in them; take these characteristics on  - be that person who wears the mantle of another’s spirit and multiples the dispersement of power two-fold.

 

As our days continue in a sort-of-holding pattern, when we feel like crawling back into bed, when we get tired of not knowing, or just seem to be going through the motions of living – it is ever more important to focus on things that really matter: items, words, deeds, actions, that bear fruit, bring life, grow hope, relieve fear, comfort grief, and encourage common wealth. 

In times of ‘crazy,’ in fact at anytime, a spiritual practice I have found helpful and that gives each day purpose for me is this: each day is a day well lived when one thing is done for God, one thing is done for another, and one thing is done for the self.

None of these words, actions, or deeds need to be big – only come from the heart with the intention of growing good news -  for it is good news that transfigures the world around us through the people touched by God’s spirit working through us.

 

In conclusion I invite you to carry with you this week the intention of each day doing one thing for God, one thing for another, and one thing for yourself.  Be filled with the spirt -the characteristics of God made manifest – and be encouraged by the words of Arch-Bishop Desmond Tutu – let these words be true as God’s spirit works through us -

God places us in the world as his  fellow worker-agents of transfiguration. We work with God so that injustice is transfigured into justice, so there will be more compassion and caring, that there will be more laughter and joy, that there will be more togetherness in God’s world.

Amen.