Transfiguration!

Sermon 19^th Feburary 2012 (Transfiguration)

2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 & Mark 9:2-9

+ In the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.

I’m pretty sure that if, after this morning’s service we decided to go on a parish hike up Ditchling Beacon, and upon reaching the top Fr Andrew suddenly started to glow brightly with some kind of unearthly light and standing by his side are two great patriarchs from the Old Testament, we would probably be a little surprised! In fact we would probably be wondering what had been slipped into our after church coffee!

Today’s gospel reading presents us with this amazing image of Jesus at the top of a mountain with just three of his disciples. It tells us of his Transfiguration, and like so many familiar stories from the Bible, it is a story that many of us may have known from childhood, and thought perhaps it was perhaps a little too fantastical. The Transfiguration is spoken of in all three of the synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke in pretty much the same way. In all three gospels it is sandwiched between accounts of Jesus predicting his own upcoming death and resurrection, something which, as the weeks go on the church will itself observe. It is a feast that is more fully observed in August, but in a way it is quite fitting that we consider it now, in the window between Epiphany and Lent, During Epiphany the Magi are guided by the light as they journey to pay homage to the infant Jesus, they being the very few at that time who recognised his true significance. And as we prepare to begin Lent in just a few days time we become more mindful of our own failings and our own need to be guided by the Light.

 And what happens on that mountain is by anybody’s standards one of the strangest, and certainly for the disciples, most unexpected events that we see recorded in the gospels. Jesus is completely transformed right before their eyes. The disciples get a glimpse of Jesus in his real glory. From being a man of flesh and blood his appearance suddenly changes in a way that completely terrifies his three companions! Matthew and Luke’s account of what happens is even more descriptive than what we read here in Mark’s gospel. Jesus’ whole appearance becomes enveloped in such a dazzling light that those with him can only stand and gaze in wonder. It is perhaps one of the strangest miracle accounts we read of in the New Testament. Most miracles show Jesus reaching out to others in some way and meeting their needs, very often by healing them. This time though, the focus is all on him! Peter, James and John stand there absolutely gobsmacked at what they see happening before them!

Standing there on that mountain they receive confirmation that Jesus is the Son of God. Mountains are places that are often used, especially in the Old Testament, where people meet with God. I think it is safe to say that it must have been one of the most terrifying moments of their lives. To actually be standing in the very presence of the Son of God as they suddenly now realise exactly who Jesus is. Peter’s very human reaction is to not want this experience to end, to somehow prolong it. He offers to build three dwellings, one each for Jesus, Elijah and Moses. He wants to somehow hold on and box up this glorious vision of Christ.

Maybe at times we can be rather like Peter, the same Peter who later in the gospels was to deny even knowing Jesus. Would we want to keep hold of Jesus in all his glory? Would we want to prolong the experience? Or would we understand that this revelation on the mountain-top was merely a foretaste of what was to come, but once they come down from that mountain there was much work still to be done.

It is tempting I suppose, to think of this as just one rather strange story about Jesus that serves only to show his “otherness”, in contrast to the many stories we have of him connecting with the everyday lives of people. This is a story that seems to set him apart from people, both physically in the sense that he went up the mountain with only a few followers, and also spiritually as what occurred there was so far beyond the understanding of mere human experience. When Jesus arrived at the mountain top his figure changed and the outside of him, which had been ordinary and like us, shone as if he was not like one of us. Yet in many ways he was more like us than we can ever imagine. In him was the fullness of what it was to be fully human as well as divine.

It is helpful to remind ourselves as we approach Lent that as Jesus stood there resplendent in glory he knew full well what lay ahead of him. As I have already mentioned, prior to his transfiguration he has already predicted his own death. There was going to be no easy ride for him from that mountain-top. The road ahead for him was not one that was paved with the trappings of a king. It was a road that was to lead him to a place of absolute desolation. Yet, for this one brief moment on that mountain-top we get a glimpse of what lies beyond the path that he had to walk. We, along with Peter, James and John see him in all his glory!

The reading from Second Corinthians also points us towards a vision of that future glory, of Jesus as the very image of God. And of illuminating our hearts with his light. A light that is to shine through the darkness. Our very being is to proclaim the one who shone with such radiance upon that mountain. To allow him to shine through us, as faulty and as broken as we very often are. We proclaim Christ not only with our words, but with our lives and with our service to our fellow men and women.

As we begin our Lenten journey in just a few days time, let us take time to reflect upon our Lord, who although he was in full resplendence upon the mountain, came down to walk through the darkness of the wilderness with us. May he illumine our own walk as well as that of others, and may we journey with one another in the hope that one day we too shall see him in all his glory.

+ In the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

AMEN

Is the Church of England Really for Today?

Is the Church of England Really for Today?

·       What is the Church of England?

·       How does the Church of England impact upon my daily life?

·       How does the Church of England speak for us today in the 21^st century?

·       What difference can I make in the Church of England?

These are only a few of the many questions that may go through somebody’s head when they have cause to think about the Church of England today. This short booklet aims to be a springboard from which people can explore (either for the first time or as a refresher) the distinctiveness of the Church of England in the 21^st Century.

What is the Church of England?

At its simplest level the Church of England is the state church of the nation. It is unique in enjoying a position of influence and authority that churches of other denominations do not have. It often acts as a lens through which great state occasions are seen, and could be said to have a unifying effect at such times. The church considers itself to be both “Catholic” and “Reformed”. Its beliefs and practices are based upon a three-fold formula of Scripture, Tradition and Reason. It is a church of diversity, embracing those with very different approaches under the same umbrella. It is catholic in the sense of being part of the one universal church[1], and of sharing a heritage that can be traced through Apostolic Succession to the very beginnings of the church itself. It is reformed in the sense of having “embodied Protestant insights in its theology and in the overall shape of its liturgical practice”[2]

The strapline of the Church of England website is “A Christian Presence in Every Community”[3], and that sums up the church very well. With the parish system that the church operates every part of the country is included in its pastoral care. There are no “no-go” areas where the church does not operate. It is a church that is wide and broad enough to embrace all who seek to understand the Christian message, and often those outside the Christian faith too. It has roots that are very firmly planted within the community in which it is based. As well as being a national church it is also very much a local church, often being at the centre of the communities in which it finds itself, something that finds expression in things like church schools, which for many are the first link they may have with their local church.

How does the Church of England impact upon my daily life?

According to the Church of England website, approximately one million people attend services each Sunday. Many more claim at least a passing allegiance to the church, with occasional attendance or in receipt of pastoral care[4]. In many towns and villages the local church is often the focal point of activity for the community, not all of which is overtly Christian in nature. It is very much part of the church’s mission to simply be an incarnational “presence”, sharing Christ simply by being where people gather together. Far from being a long forgotten, if much loved relic of past generations the church is actively influencing the lives of all under its care.

On a national level, through the presence of Bishops in the House of Lords the church has the opportunity to influence decisions that affect the lives of all. For many this is an important balance to the political machine that otherwise operates.

How does the Church of England speak for us today in the 21^st century?

As we have seen the church has an important role in shaping our society today. Even though they may not be regular attendees of services, people often look to the church for guidance in all kinds of areas. Sometimes these can be quite controversial and divisive matters, yet it is still important that people are given the space to listen and to be heard by those with whom they disagree. Many contemporary issues that were once considered taboo in certain circles, such as women bishops, human sexuality, and public ethics are now widely discussed in wider society, and it would be unreasonable to expect the church not to have an opinion on these matters.

The topic of women bishops is one that has recently been the subject of much debate, with very strong views being held by those on either side of the argument. The church commissioned “The Rochester Report”[5] in order to explore in a balanced a way as possible the diversity of opinion on the subject. Much of the current discussion concerns what (if any) provision can be made for those who wish to remain in the Church of England, yet cannot for reasons of conscience accept the validity of female bishops. As mentioned earlier there is much to be said for the diverse range of views within the church, which, unlike the Roman Catholic Church has no central body that has the power to enforce a rigid obedience to a set catechism of accepted belief and practice.

At times the church seems to struggle between following behind a society that has moved on from issues of equality or sexual identity and taking a lead by providing clear direction. The anti-capitalist protests based at St Paul’s Cathedral has shown how the church does sometimes struggle to strike the right balance, yet the Archbishop of Canterbury has said in response “that the Church of England had a “proper interest in the ethics of the financial world”[6]. So it is clear then that people do often look towards the church to be a voice for them, even if at times that voice is rather shaky.

What difference can I make in the Church of England?

To an outsider the church can at times appear to be quite hierarchical in nature. With its governing structure of PCC’s, Deanery Synods, Diocesan Synods and General Synod, each one seems to lead to the next step up in importance. Yet it is through these structures that the voice of those in the church is heard. The Church of England places equal value on the opinions of all within the church, and this is shown by the way that the synods have representation from not only Bishops and ordinary clergy, but also from lay people as well.

As well as the three-fold ministry of bishop, priest and deacon there is an increasing acknowledgement of the role of the lay person in areas of public ministry. In the Church of England this can take a number of forms such as Reader, Church Army Officer or Evangelist. Each has their own distinctive characteristics, yet they bring a richness to the life of the church by helping to emphasise that ministry is not the sole preserved of those who have been ordained. It is normal in most areas of life to work collaboratively with one another. The church is no different in this respect, and there has been a move in recent years in that direction as team ministries and shared responsibilities have begun in places to be the norm. 

It is worth considering our own role in the church. In what way can we each make a difference? For some that may lead to exploring the possibility of ordination to the priesthood. Others would perhaps see their role more as that of a preacher or teacher and lean towards Reader ministry.

Even if no formal training in ordained or licensed ministry is undertaken there is still a role for all who are part of the church. Each person has something unique of themselves to give. It may be something as seemingly simple as serving at the altar or welcoming people at the door. It may be by standing for the PCC and speaking out about issues that affect the church and community. The strength of the church is in its diversity and openness to all.

I have tried in this short piece to show how the Church of England, rather than being a dull, irrelevant, ancient institution with nothing to say to contemporary society, can in fact be quite the opposite. Is the Church of England for today? It certainly is!

WORD COUNT 1386

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Avis, P; The Anglican Understanding of the Church, SPCK, 2000

Edwards, D. L; What Anglicans Believe, Continuum, 2004

Ramsey, M; The Anglican Spirit, Seabury Classics, 2004

Rowling, C & Gooder, P; Reader Ministry Explored, SPCK, 2009

www.churchofengland.org/

www.churchofengland.org/media/39784/gs1557.pdf (Rochester Report)

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8863794/Archbishop-of-Canterbury-Rowan-Williams-calls-for-new-tax-on-bankers.html

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[1] Avis, p65

[2] http://www.churchofengland.org/about-us/history.aspx (13/12/11)

[3] http:// www.churchofengland.org/ (13/12/11)

[4] http://www.churchofengland.org/about-us/facts-stats.aspx

[5] http://www.churchofengland.org/media/39784/gs1557.pdf (Rochester Report, accessed 13/12/11)

[6] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8863794/Archbishop-of-Canterbury-Rowan-Williams-calls-for-new-tax-on-bankers.html (13/12/11)