(Gn.12:1-4a; Ps.33:4-5,18-20,22; 2Tm.1:8b-10; Mt.17:1-9) "Rise, and do not be afraid." Here in the midst of the darkness we drink in during this Lenten Season comes a light shining to assure our hearts of the promise that is ours. The Lord's Transfiguration is presented to us this day to lead us through all the tribulations of the cross to the resurrection, which is our holy goal. "Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God," Paul says to his special child Timothy, and so the Lord speaks to us all, reminding us that "He saved us and called us to a holy life." It is "up a high mountain by themselves" Jesus leads His principal disciples Peter, James, and John, to reveal to them the glory to which they are called – thus signifying the cross we must all carry along the rough terrain of this world to reach our place in heaven. In seeing that "His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light" and then hearing the voice of the Father overshadowing them, they are overawed… but the hand of the Lord touches them, and strengthens them for the road ahead. Our call is like that of Abraham, the father of all those of faith: "Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father's house to a land that I will show you." We all must leave behind the security this world holds and go according to God's word, to travel in a land foreign to our souls. But His assurance is with us, His blessing is upon us, and so the darkness of the night should not make us afraid. For "the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him, upon those who hope for His kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine." And so, however difficult the walk, however steep the climb, our hearts should never waver; for we have always at our side "our Savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." And so, brothers and sisters, as we travel through the heart of the sacrifice this Lenten time invites us to share, let it be that "our soul waits for the Lord, who is our help and our shield," and let our prayer be as David's: "May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us, who have put our hope in you." For Jesus is before us to lead us to our home. Written, read & chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: "Going Home" from Cleansing Human Frailty, fourth album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, let your eyes be upon us to guide us by your holy light, and let our eyes look up and meet your own. YHWH, let us go as you direct us; let us follow your Son wherever He leads. Though it be up a high mountain, though the path be rough and darkness overshadow us, let us not hesitate. Let us listen to His voice speaking to our souls: "Rise, and do not be afraid." O LORD, you deliver us from death and preserve us despite any trial of this world. To Heaven the way of the Cross does lead, so let us not be afraid. Let us put our hope and our trust in you, knowing that you are always at our side, that your Spirit is with us ever to guide us to your eternal kingdom. Let us know and remember that we will rise with Jesus. All your works are trustworthy, dear God, and so let us be obedient to your call, that our lives, too, might be formed by your hand. Grant us vision that we might see our way through the darkness of this world by the light of your beloved Son.