When Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain for the Transfiguration, he knew that his human life would soon end. He had recently begun teaching his disciples about his impending death and resurrection, but they absolutely did not want to accept what he was saying. So, he chose three of the strongest leaders to give them a glimpse of his resurrection and restoration to the fullness of God’s glory so that even during the dark days of the crucifixion, they would know that there was still hope for the future.

On top of the mountain, Jesus was literally transfigured before them—his clothes and face looked completely different and shone as bright as a blazing fire. And – he was no longer alone but was talking with the great fathers of the Hebrew faith: Moses, who represented the Law of their tradition, and Elijah, who represented the Prophets. Finally, God’s own voice was heard declaring Jesus to be God’s Son, just as had happened at his baptism.

And then it was over. Jesus’ Transfiguration was as fleeting as it was brilliant; everything went back to normal as if nothing had happened at all. But something did happen—something spectacular and unforgettable, something that would change the disciples’ lives from then on. For they had come into direct contact with God—seen God’s glory, heard God’s voice—and all through their teacher and friend, someone who had been with them all along. They would never look at Jesus the same way after that because they would know the truth—that God was indeed present with them in ordinary human flesh.

This story is known as the Transfiguration of the Lord, but I think a more accurate name is the Transfiguration of the Disciples. For in that moment, Jesus did not become the Son of God—Jesus already was the Son of God. What had actually changed was the disciples’ ability to see God in Jesus. As a result, they were the ones who were transformed, their faith took on a whole new meaning, and they became prepared in their hearts for the painful struggles that were to come. The light of God in Christ hadn’t changed their reality but had allowed them to see their reality differently.

The word “illumination” means the process of lighting up something or making it clearer to understand. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul uses a similar image when he writes, “All of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed.” Paul speaks to the difference between living under the old covenant, where the people could not fully grasp God’s glory, and the new covenant in Christ, where the veil has been lifted. Paul connects transformation with seeing.

When we truly see Christ for who he is, we are changed.  This passage urges us to remove whatever veils we have that prevent us from fully seeing God at work in our lives.

Some years ago, when I was living in Cincinnati, I drove to St. Louis for a Church conference. I know a number of you are familiar with that area in general and may be able to picture what I’m talking about. There were two choices to get to St. Louis, more North through Indianapolis, and more South. I chose the Southern route through Kentucky because I think it’s more beautiful and it was during my favorite season – fall. I hoped to see some great fall colors as I drove. But, I was disappointed. On the way to the conference, I passed by countless trees which had turned to their peak autumn colors, but the sky was overcast, and the sight wasn’t all that inspiring.

On the way back, I got what I had hoped for originally. The sun was out, and those same trees, in about the same stage of color, shone brightly in oranges and yellows and reds. The effect was so striking that it literally took my breath away. The bright light of the sun hadn’t changed the reality but had allowed me to see it differently so that I could fully appreciate the beauty that had been there all along. On the way down, I passed by countless trees which had turned to their peak autumn colors, but the sky was overcast, and the sight wasn’t all that inspiring. On the way back, the sun was out, and those same trees, in about the same stage of color, shone brightly in oranges and yellows and reds. The effect was so striking that it literally took my breath away. The bright light of the sun hadn’t changed the reality but had allowed me to see it differently so that I could fully appreciate the beauty that had been there all along.

How often do we need that kind of illumination in our own lives? How often do we need to step into God’s light so that we can truly see? That is part of what Lent calls us to—a journey of turning again toward the light, of being willing to see ourselves, our world, and our faith with fresh eyes. It is not about changing into something we are not but about allowing ourselves to be illuminated, transformed by seeing what has been there all along.

Several weeks ago, on Youth Sunday, our young people invited us to reflect on what we see when we look in a mirror—and what God sees. They set up a large mirror near the Parlor – it is still there if you’d like to stop by today.  Next to the mirror are post its and a sign encouraging people to write something about themselves that others wouldn’t know just by looking. People have shared things like, “I am a ballroom dancer,” “I help rescue stray animals,” “I love making cards for people,” “I am good at math.” It was a simple but profound exercise. Because when we look in the mirror, we tend to see only the surface—the flaws, the ordinary, the things we wish were different. But when God looks at us, God sees our whole selves—the depth, the beauty, the light within.

Our bulletin cover quote today is from one of my favorite authors, Edith Wharton, who said, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” The disciples, standing on that mountain, saw Jesus as a blazing light, but they also became mirrors, carrying that light back down into the valleys, into the hard places, into their lives. We, too, are called to reflect Christ’s light—not because we ourselves are the source, but because we have been in the presence of God’s radiance that cannot help but shine.

There may be times when we, like the disciples, grow weary. Times when we question whether we are on the right path, whether our efforts in faith and service truly make a difference. Perhaps, like them, we need moments of illumination—times when we step back, look again, and see what has been there all along. Perhaps we need to be reminded that the light of God’s love is already within us, waiting to be revealed.

As we enter the season of Lent, we carry with us what has been illuminated by God’s Spirit—our gifts, our callings, our deep belonging to Christ. Lent is a time of reflection and renewal, a time to step deeper into the light that reveals who we are and who God is calling us to be. It is also a time of trust, of leaning into God’s guidance with open hearts. In this same spirit of discernment, we bring our prayers for the Pastor Nominating Committee and the search for your next installed pastor. Just as the disciples saw Jesus in a new light on the mountaintop, we trust that God’s light will guide our congregation and the pastor who is being called to you.

So, what do you see when you look into the mirror of God’s light? As we enter into the season of Lent, let us seek that light, even when the way ahead is uncertain. Let us trust that as we remain faithful in our search and in our calling, God’s light will continue to reveal the way forward.

In the name of our Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit. Amen.