Sunday February 3rd, has the focus reading of Matthew 17:1-9. Its what's known as the transfiguration story where Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus. It also has God speaking to the disciples from a cloud telling them to "listen to him [Jesus]" and Jesus saying to the disciples "be not afraid." Again this week there are two challenging ways to look at this story. Its possible to focus on the first part - the transformation of Jesus and acknowledge that in each of our lives there is a need for some transformation. In the Greek text of this passage the word metamorphoo is used which means a deep and significant change in a person. One could ask what deep changes did Jesus need to make or ignore this point and see Jesus' metamorphism as a sign to the disciples and to us as current day readers. Either way, the truth remains that in each of us there is a component that needs deep and significant change. It could be in our approach to relationships, or finances, or prayer, or faith, or addiction, or life in general.
A second approach would be to examine what it means to obey/follow the directions of Jesus - to listen to him. Its important to acknowledge that here listening isn't passive nor is there a distinction between listening/hearing and doing. To listen is to do and the two go hand in hand. Its also not a directive to engage in selective hearing and only follow that part of Jesus message that we agree with or find easy to live out. It also means living out the tough and sacrificial aspects of the gospel as well. Yet, even in our following Jesus tells us not to be afraid. Don't hold back could be another way of hearing these words or don't be afraid to commit yourself body, heart and mind with all of your time, talent and treasure.
Either way you and I are called to live out the gospel through both personal and communal metamorphosis while engaging our whole being in our expressions of discipleship. The only question is: are we willing to take that leap of faith?
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