Transfiguration Sunday, March 2, 2025

“Re-veil-ation”

“Re-veil-ation” A Sermon based on Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; and Luke 9:28-36 delivered on Transfiguration Sunday, March 2, 2025 at the First Congregational UCC of Onekama, Michigan by the Rev. Alison Andrea Young

When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, “the skin of his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him,” (Exodus 34:30) . . . “Jesus . . . went up onto the mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.” (Luke 9:29) What is going on here, we ask? What is the common denominator in these experiences of Moses and Jesus? The late Rev. Walter Wangerin Jr. sheds some light on the answer to this question. In an address to newly graduating Seminary students he relates the following experience:
My face burned when I was ordained. This is historical truth, no
image, no metaphor. My face became bright red and burned.
I suppose the people might have said, “Walt’s excited. Look at him blush.” . . . But I knew even then that the excitement of the ceremony was not cause enough for the fire in my face. This was more than mere blush. . . Rather, the burning came of this: for once in my long and vigorous struggle with the Lord Jesus Christ, the struggle itself had ceased. For the moment, the relationship had reached a certain purity. . . My faith, you see, was the flame in my face. (from Ragman and Other Cries of Faith pp. 56-57)

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© Copyright 2025 by the Rev. Alison Andrea Young

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