RCL Readings Sunday 14 February 2010
Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)



Sometimes you can tell when people have something important to tell you. In someway their appearance gives it away. So it was with Moses when he returned from “talking with God” in Exodus 34:29-35. The things we are exposed to actually affect us – sometimes we are not aware of it ourselves just as Moses didn’t know that his face shone. For our prayerful reflection this week, consider what are the things that you are exposed to and what effect might they be having? Where are you placing yourself that you might be more exposed to God? There is also a challenge in this reading to affirm others and the reflection of God in them. If being exposed to God changes people what about the flip side - those exposed to poverty, degradation, dehumanising systems, addiction, and as a consequence their whole being reflects these things. Consider shaping your prayer and action around this theme of exposure and challenge those things and systems that blight the lives of people.

Paul picks up the Exodus reading in 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 and urges us to have confidence in the presence of God speaking of us being “transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another”. Take time to reflect how you have been and are being transformed by “seeing the glory of the Lord” by being exposed to Christ through worship, prayer, reflecting upon Scripture, and experiencing Christ in and through others.

Psalm (99) paints a picture of a holy God who evokes people’s praises. This Psalm could be used as a basis of your praises – read it slowly, allow the language and imagery to sink in. Notice the linking of the sovereignty of God with justice and the establishment of justice in verse 4 – our praises can’t be divorced from issues of justice. Encounter with and worship of a holy God must lead us to a deep commitment to issues of justice.

The reading from Luke’s Gospel (9:28-36) is the account of the transfiguration. The reading is packed with symbolism: Moses and Elijah representing the law and the prophets; changing appearance; conversations about “departure”/exodus; mountains and clouds; and the voice from heaven “This is my Son, my Chosen/Beloved; listen to him.” It all begins with Jesus and three disciples going up the mountain to pray – prayer is key to it all. What he prayed we are not told – the context (foretelling of his death and resurrection Lk 9:21-22) and the scene as it unfolds with the conversation about his “departure” all point to prayer focused on discerning the heart and will of his Father. Our seeking the heart and mind of God in prayer should shape us – transform/transfigure us. There is, understandably, the temptation to want to freeze things at a certain time and moment – that is not possible, but the cloud (symbol of the presence of God) and Jesus remain with the three disciples AND with us.