Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
Sometimes it is just easier to go through life with low or absolutely no expectations. Then you don’t have to worry when things happen – whether good or bad. It’s all just part of life. It’s sort of the philosophical stoics idea. No emotion is better than unexpected highs and lows.
I think of it as sort of jaded – but it seems appealing at times. Especially when it seems like I’m constantly held prisoner to my expectations. It is certainly easier to have none, but more often than I find that when I adapt that mentality – my heartache is only sort of avoided – and my joy is zapped completely. Putting up walls around our emotions and binding them into prescribed boxes just alienates us from other people and from living life.
We’re getting ready to move into the season of lent – a time to prepare for Jesus’ journey to the cross. It is a time of preparation that we may prefer to avoid. It’s a rather dark liturgical season, and the constant focus on the idea that Jesus is a sacrificial lamb from the Middle Ages only serves to bring it even further down. I don’t always look forward to Lent, I usually don’t. It’s grim, gory and dark. Our long held understanding of lent forces me to dwell on the worst sides of humanity. Which is why I am so excited about our Lenten plans this year, because I believe they help us to reframe this important time with a theological understanding we all hold.
In the gospels, the story we hear of Jesus’ life and journey to the cross is pretty rough, and trying. It shouldn’t be surprising to us that the disciples want to stay up on the mountain, putting up tents and basking in the glory of God. Down the mountain life waited for them. Down the mountain there was pain, heartache, destruction, and death. Down the mountain it doesn’t seem like God is so present and tangible. Down the mountain we walk to Jesus’ death.
The disciples seemed to understand that this was an unusual and strange sight – but somehow Peter connected the dots – he knew the festivals and the stories and he knew that making a booth for the teachers was related to the prophecy of their return. but God interrupts this thought of Peter’s and orders the disciples to listen to Jesus.
But Jesus does not heed Peter’s suggestion. Instead, Jesus leads them back down the mountain.
Down the mountain…we have to endure the hardships of life. People disappoint us. Struggles await us and never seem to end. Disease surprises us. Wars terrify us. Down the mountain we must witness the worst of humanity. Death awaits us. It would be easier to put up walls and just avoid it all.
Yet Jesus leads us back down…. down the mountain to precisely where we must be – because down the mountain is where life waits. Down the mountain is the joy of a smiling child. Down the mountain is the beauty of God’s creation – whether pristine snow – budding tulips, lush forests or changing leaves. Down the mountain is where we encounter God in the kindness of strangers. Down the mountain is where we feel and witness God’s love.
Sure, it is messy – and painful and sometimes downright terrible, but we know that none of the awful experiences – none of the pain, sadness and tears will have the last word in our lives – because God’s love has the power to overcome it all – even death on a cross. We know it doesn’t take it away, but that the Holy One is with us and guiding us to love through it.
So let us go down the mountain – preparing our hearts for the journey of our lives – and knowing that through it all God’s love is with us and will reign supreme. Amen.