Seeing God's glory

Mark 9 : 2 - 10

...he was transfigured before them...

O if only we were there on the Mount of Transfiguration!! What an honor to see Jesus with glistening garments, speaking with the prophets of old. The three disciples Peter, James and John were privileged to be the ones invited to this moment. They experienced a consolation, a time of special closeness to the Lord, one in which the voice from heaven was clearly heard. Of course, like any of us, Peter wanted the moment to last - he wanted to 'camp' there. The moment did not last, and after the intense moment, they "came down from the mountain". Back to the plains to face many challenges.

For the three special friends of Jesus, such an experience did not yet give them full understanding of their Master. They were to go through times of doubt, of fear, of discouragement as the coming events of the Passion unfolded. But of course, we might expect that this experience stayed with them in some way, giving them courage during their fears and helping them through that dark time.

I believe the Lord is truly gracious - he grants us the gift of consolation, as he sees our need. He moves us to greater trust in him, as he reveals to us his "glory". And when we stay spiritually alert to him, "we with unveiled faces, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit" (2 Cor. 3: 18)

I sometimes wonder what kind of "consolations" I need from the Lord to traverse the rather anxious letting go of my children as they grow up. I know that time and again I tell myself that I have "let go" and yet, every time a new hurdle comes I trip up again. Just last night, my younger son went for a church college fellowship meeting with a friend.......first time he was out so late.....by 1 am I was concerned (actually called him before that but they were still at supper) and then by 2 am....well, I couldn't sleep.....called again .....they were, as young people do, having a long supper chat, at a Mamak shop, just catching up with each other. He got back at 2. 30 am and that's when I finally could get to sleep. Well, I'll really need much supernatural strength from the Lord if I'm going to stay up each time they are out late!!