Transfiguration Sunday

Year C:  February 10, 2013

First Reading: Exodus 34:29-35

The Tin Forest by Helen Ward

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: In this text we read of the way Moses is changed by his face to face experience of God. Being in God’s presence causes him to shine. While this process may seem strange to us, it opens up the possibility for thoughtful reflection. How do experiences of the Divine change us? While we are likely not blinded by the light of one another’s faces, where do we find the light seeping through in our own lives? In talking with children, this text invites us to think about the way our relationship with God changes us, more fully into the people God created us to be. The image of creation being lit and more fully becoming what is was intended to be can be found in The Tin Forest. As the forest shifts from garbage sculptures to living organism, it fills with a warm glow and is forever changed.

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2

The Pied Piper’s Magic by Steven Kellogg

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: “And all of us… are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.” Paul speaks of the way the metaphorical veils which separate us from God’s glory serve to distort our understanding of God and of ourselves. Our experience of God in Christ, through the work of the Sprit leads to an unveiling; the Truth of God’s goodness and our identity in relation to God is more fully revealed and we experience transformation. The Pied Piper’s Magic works much like the Spirit as he reveals to the gloomy Elbavol and cruel Duke that they are indeed lovable. This revelation transforms them and the community around them. As you reflect on the text and story, invite your congregation to wonder about the ways their experiences of God have transformed your community.

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)

Wolf! Wolf! by John Rocco

(Written for ages 5-9)

Comment: At the transfiguration, Jesus’ true identity is revealed to Peter, John, and James. He is not just their teacher and friend, he is God’s son, God’s chosen one.  In this story, his glory is overwhelming to the disciples, and with his departure, referred to in verse 31, the people will question their understanding of what it is to be a king. Throughout the gospels we find glimpses where Jesus differs from the people’s expectations of him. Indeed, in our own communities, we still experience these moments. Seeing something familiar in a new light works to change our expectations and our way of being. In Wolf! Wolf! we experience a traditional fable in a new way. As the story ends, we witness the wolf’s expectations change as his vision of the goat shifts from that of breakfast to dear friend. Perhaps on this Transfiguration Sunday we should ask ourselves how are our own understandings, expectations, and visions are being challenged and changed.

The Lectionary Links this week were written by regular contributor Noell Rathbun-Cook.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, February 10, 2013 by Storypath is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.