Looking Back From the Ending
- davidwperk
- Nov 20, 2023
- 6 min read
Devotional Reflection, Monday, November 20, 2023
Proper 28, the week of the twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
The Rev. David W. Perkins, Th.D.
Key phrases for reflection from today’s reading:
17:1Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. . . . . 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’
You will find the full text of today’s Gospel reading at the end of this reflection.
Daily Office Lectionary Readings (BCP, 992)
AM Psalm 89:1-18; PM Psalm 89:19-52
1 Macc. 3:1-24; Rev. 20:7-15; Matt. 17:1-13
Today we celebrate the Feast of Edmund of East Anglia. (See below.)
David's Reflections
In my childhood, I found verse 9 puzzling. Why were his closest friends told not to disclose what they had seen until after the resurrection? I had been taught that we were to be witnesses to our faith in the world. Why were they told not to witness?
Now that I am reading it as an adult, his reason makes more sense--"until after the Son of Man has been risen from the dead." These three were privileged to see the resurrection glory of Jesus in advance of that moment, but even they did not understand the significance of what they had witnessed. They would not until after the resurrection. They would then come to a much fuller grasp of Jesus’ identity. Only then, after the conclusion of the story of Jesus’ life had shed light on the entire story, would they be able to share and not until.
As George Orwell once quipped, “To see what is in front of one’s nose, needs a constant struggle.”*
Our lives could be thought of as a series of epochs, a series of mini narratives or segments of a larger life story. When we are in the middle of an epoch, before that mini narrative has come to its end, we live with a much more partial understanding than we will have when that particular episode of our lives has been fully lived out. Then, we can look back from the perspective of a completed moment and discern more fully the significance of each moment and of the entire story.
Think of a relationship ended, of a job finished, of children graduated from high school, of a project finalized. Think of how the entire experience takes on a more mature hue from the perspective of the ending. Perhaps I can learn to live with a bit more uncertainty about my understanding of what now is transpiring in my life but with anticipation of that broader perspective awaiting me farther down the trail when I can look back at the switchbacks and vistas from that expanded vantage point of a hike completed.
Gerald G. May put it very well in his discussion of the dark night of the soul. “The light, although divine, is not like the fierce sun of midday. It is, instead, a muted light of ‘early morning’ or ‘rising dawn.’ It continues to partake of some of the night’s mystery.”+
*George Orwell, quoted by George Will, in "Trump is something the nation did not know it needed," Washington Post online, July 29, 2017.
+Gerald G. May, The Dark Night of the Soul.: A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth. (New York: HarperCollins, 2004), p. 181.
Collect of the Day, Proper 28, the twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP, 236)
Today we celebrate the Feast of Edmund of East Anglia, king and martyr (died 20 Nov 869 CE).
Collect of the Feast of Edmund of East Anglia
Merciful God, who gave grace and fortitude to Edmund to die nobly for your Name: Bestow on us your servants the shield of faith, with which we can withstand the assaults of our ancient enemy; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Collect for the Renewal of Life
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness while it was day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 99)
For the Nation
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP, 258)
In the Evening
O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen. (BCP, 833)
A Collect for Mission
O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 100, 257)
Daily Office Gospel, Matthew 17:1-13
17:1Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’Or my beloved Son 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. 9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’ 10And the disciples asked him, ‘Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ 11He replied, ‘Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; 12but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.’ 13Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.
Daily Offices in The Book of Common Prayer
Morning Prayer, Rite 2, page 75, The Book of Common Prayer
Noonday Prayer, page 103, Book of Common Prayer
Order of Worship for Evening (Vespers), p 109, Book of Common Prayer
Evening Prayer, Rite 2, page 115, Book of Common Prayer
Compline (Night Prayer), page 127, Book of Common Prayer
Daily Devotionals, page 136, Book of Common Prayer
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