Strengthened to Bear our Cross

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Last Sunday after the Epiphany BCP 217)

A gorgeous landscape. A fantastically decorated or architecturally designed building. People doing things they love. People reaching out in care for others. Children learning good lessons. These are all things which spark awe in me. Even when they have nothing to do with me, they encourage me in the work which I must do. They strengthen me for the journey ahead. 

We pray this week, when we see Jesus transfigured upon the mountain, that we "may be strengthened to bear our cross." We know the weeks to come are not going to be easy. We know they are going to continue to bear more grief, stress, longing, and loss. Even as we move slowly towards the end of the pandemic with the increasing numbers of people vaccinated, people are still struggling. Yet, what we see upon the mountain this coming Sunday is a scene of pure awe.

Jesus transfigured into full glory. Despite centuries of artistic renditions of this moment, I still cannot imagine the full beauty and amazement of that moment for the disciples. Even through the simple story, we feel their gravity and wonder at being present. Even through the humble words, we can feel ourselves strengthened for the journey ahead. We know the road is still long, but nothing can go beyond where God goes.