Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
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Scripture |
LUKE 9:28-36, (37-43) 28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”--not knowing what he said. 34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” 36 When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. 37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38 Just then a man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. 39 Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. 40 I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41 Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 42 While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43 And all were astounded at the greatness of God. |
Devotional |
American’s have a fascination with spirituality and it continues to gain interest. The character of spirituality is changing. The story of the event of the Transfiguration is an example of the way we practice Christian spirituality. Robert Wuthnow gives an example of how we experience this spirituality. We progress from dwelling to seeking to practicing spirituality or this is the process for healthy spiritual growth. But often we follow the example of Peter. ”Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Peter wishes to remain in this dwelling spirituality. This is a safe place on the mountain, a limited number of participants, and a friendly and inspiring environment. He has found the ideal place. Jesus does not join Peter in this “habitation spirituality”. He is eager to leave the mountain. On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain a great crowd meet him.” The man asks Jesus to heal his son. Seems the disciples of Jesus had been unable to heal the boy. This story is a good example of the three types of spirituality. Staying on the mountain top(dwelling), leaving the mountain(seeking), and becoming active by healing the boy(practicing).Practicing is the path Jesus chooses. The others are a preparation for the latter. “Spiritual practices put responsibility squarely on individuals to spend time on the regular basis worshiping, communing with, listening to, and attempting to understand the ultimate source of sacredness in our lives.” 1 All three types are essential for a balanced Christian spirituality but ultimately it is the practicing spirituality that defines our ministry. The dwelling and seeking are preparation for the real thing. “Spiritual practices require individuals to engage reflectively in the conversation with their past, examining who they have been, how they have been shaped, and where they are headed. “ 2 If you are headed down the mountain toward the great crowd who are looking for help and healing, you are an example of Jesus’ practicing spirituality. Does you spirituality resemble the dwelling of Peter or the practicing of Jesus? Prayer: Lord, we are often like Peter wishing to stay on the mountain in a safe place. We hear your call to come down the mountain to the activity of the world around us. 1 Robert Wuthnow, After Heaven: Spirituality in America Since the 1950’s. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998. 16 |