Gathering Prayer: Holy One who is know to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. You know the thoughts of our hearts; hear our prayers. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.
Focus: The Transfiguration is both one of the critical points in the ministry of Jesus (His baptism as the start and His ascension as its completion) and one of the Scriptures surrounded in mystery.
In the gospels, Jesus takes Peter, James, son of Zebedee and his brother John the Apostle with him and goes up to a mountain, which is not named. Once on the mountain, that Jesus “was transfigured before them; his face shining as the sun, and his garments became white as the light.” At that point the prophet Elijah representing the prophets and Moses representing the Law appear and Jesus begins to talk to them.
Just as Elijah and Moses begin to depart from the scene, Peter begins to ask Jesus if the disciples should make three tents for him and the two prophets. This has been interpreted as Peter’s attempt to keep the prophets there longer. But before Peter can finish, a bright cloud appears, and a voice from the cloud states: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him”. The disciples then fall to the ground in fear, but Jesus approaches and touches them, telling them not to be afraid. When the disciples look up, they no longer see Elijah or Moses.
When Jesus and the three apostles are going back down the mountain, Jesus tells them to not tell anyone “the things they had seen” until the “Son of Man” has risen from the dead.
Today’s discussion centers on the mystic and the existent.
Sentences on the Subject:
“Do you not think that there are things which you cannot understand, and yet which are; that some people see things that others cannot? ……….Ah, it is the fault of our science that it wants to explain all; and if it explain not, then it says there is nothing to explain.”― Bram Stoker, Dracula
“Faith is the door to the full inner life of the Church, a life which includes not only access to an authoritative teaching but above all to a deep personal experience which is at once unique and yet shared by the whole Body of Christ, in the Spirit of Christ.― Thomas Merton
“A religion without mystics is a philosophy” – Pope Francis
Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.
Probe 1. Have you ever had a mystical (weird, unreal) moment?
Probe 2. The Transfiguration of Christ is a mystical moment in which some disciples see Christ in a different light. Peter wants to build some tents so that they can linger in that moment; but the moment is gone and they must go back down the mountain to do the work. Has there been a moment in your faith journey when you had a “mountaintop experience”, “saw the light”, i.e. saw things differently? What was the return to the reality of everyday life like?
Probe 3. What are some of the ‘mysteries” of the Christian faith? What are your thoughts on them?
Probe 4. Does religion lose some meaning when its believers try to explain it rather than accept it?
Take Away. True religion is not about possessing the truth. No religion does that. It is rather an invitation into a journey that leads one toward the mystery of God. John Shelby Spong
Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.
My Thoughts and the Thoughts of Others 