Long-time readers know that the Transfiguration is one of my favorite events in the ministry of Christ. So, this past weekend was a special treat for me.
I can’t help but try to imagine myself in the shoes of one of the three chosen to accompany Jesus to the mountain to get a preview of the full glory of the Resurrected Christ. Three major thoughts consume me:

1. The experience is really beyond my imagination. How could I understand a mystery so beautiful, so complex. Each time I read the scripture, a new layer of truth becomes evident. Even if I read it a thousand more times, I’ll never understand the mystery in this life.
2. If I was given the experience on the mountain, would it be enough for me to pick myself back up and push through on faith after my Rabbi was crucified? I wish I could say “Yes, I know I would – God’s grace is enough for me.” God’s grace is more than enough for me.  But I’m notorious for getting in my own way.
3. Do I look to the vision of the fully glorified Christ as a sign that I need to rely more on my faith in God and less on my strength (or lack thereof)?

I love Peter so much. He reminds me that we can be weak and quite human, and God will still love us and even work through us. I think that if there was any way he could have messed that scene up, he would have. It’s almost like “Hey let’s build tents and stay here!” “No, Peter, you’re not getting it.” Then he goes and builds the Church. It’s beautiful. We can see that beauty too, if we start to rely on that faith. Leave the Strength(lessness) behind.