ON THE MOUNTAIN
Palaeontology
is the study of life in prehistoric times by using fossils as evidence. It
allows us to trace and wonder at the evolution of humans, animals and plants.
We are astonished at the development of the human body and the brain and the
emergence of consciousness and the ability to reflect. The Bible is not a
scientific work but it picks up the story on another level. At a certain point in
this movement of growth God chose a people whom he would train to be accustomed
to hear his voice so as to prepare them for the next stage.
The
founder of that people was terrified by the task he was set. “As the sun was going
down a deep sleep fell upon Abra(ha)m, and a deep and terrifying darkness
descended on him” (Gen 15:12). God is now approaching his people who are at
last able to grasp something of the relationship he is offering, but it is
frightening for them, this new experience so much beyond their imagining. And God
makes a covenant with them, which is constantly renewed despite their backsliding
and infidelity.
Almost
two thousand years later a child is born in a stable. Again there was terror
(Luke 2:9) but gradually they begin to understand; “God has visited his people”
(Luke 7:16). Again, Peter and his companions were “heavy with sleep,” and again
they were overcome with awe. But they were able to say, “It is wonderful for us
to be here” (Luke 9:32, 33).
The
irruption of God into our life can be terrifying - and delightful? Perhaps the
terror comes from realising that his coming will test us like smelt steel. We
will have to change and that we don’t want. Out there on the world stage we can
read about it and desire it will happen. Pope Francis addressed the drug barons,
and those who cause thousands to migrate, in Mexico this week. But will they
change their ways of thinking?
This
is the last great frontier of human evolution; for people to become reconciled
– one to another. All the rest was easy when compared to this last step for humanity:
reconciliation between people, with creation (ecology) and with God. They all
go together and they start with a person become reconciled with his or her self.
On
the second Sunday of Lent we always have the Transfiguration of Jesus on the
mountain when he gave us a brief glimpse of his glory. It soon passed and he
returned to the business of preparing his friends for his rejection and death
in Jerusalem. But it was a glimpse revealing our destiny and giving us the
courage to face change.
I
heard recently of someone who had a big responsibility and the pressures on him
became too great and he took his own life. He seems to have identified himself
with his ability to do his job. If he could not do the job it was best to end
it all. I know it is easy to say but moments of stress call us to change; to
stop identifying myself with my abilities, position, success or whatever. A
person is far more than the circumstances of their life. Reconciliation, the
last frontier, begins with reconciliation with one’s self.
21 February 2016 Lent
2C
Genesis 15:5…18 Phil
3:17 – 4:1 Luke
9:28-36
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