Arise and Be Not Afraid

Arise and Be Not Afraid! 2/26/2024 - by: Carlos Aoun - Starting With Scripture Share Carlos Aoun is a Member-in-Discernment in the Metropolitan Boston Association of the SNEUCC. He is currently in the search and call process. He spends his time between his photography projects, writing, preaching, leading small groups on spiritual journeys, practicing yoga and teaching. Scripture: Mark 9:2-9 (NRSV) The Transfiguration Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!’ Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. The Coming of Elijah As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. Reflection: Arise and Be Not Afraid! As we journey through life, there come moments when we find ourselves enveloped in a shroud of uncertainty. We confront traumatic experiences, wrestle with loneliness, grapple with substance abuse, or find ourselves trapped in the depths of anxiety and depression, feeling lost in a sea of meaninglessness. It's in these times we desperately seek even the faintest glimmer of hope. The transfiguration of Jesus stands as an extraordinary event from the distant past, a symbol of the culmination of His journey characterized by love and sacrifice. This moment marked the divine nature of Jesus and offered a powerful affirmation of His purpose. Yet, before this pivotal moment, He spent years preaching, teaching, healing, and embracing all without discrimination. The radiant glory of God radiated through Jesus Christ only when everyone was invited to be part of His mission. It was a profound demonstration of God's boundless love, an invitation for each of us to join God's family. One might wonder, "Is this transfiguration experience unique to Jesus?" The resounding answer is no. The purpose of this divine transformation is to assure us that, no matter how dark the times we face, there is a dawn, a rising of the morning star within our hearts. This era of darkness we live in serves as a testimony to the power of hope, determination, and the yearning for a more just and equal society, rooted in God's love. It reminds us that faith in God can move the stoniest of hearts and illuminate a path leading people out of darkness into a radiant daybreak, rich with promises of a better life. Jesus commanded us, just as He did His disciples on that mountain top, to "Arise and be not afraid." But the message doesn't end there. He also instructs us to be beacons of light in this world, to shine as brightly as a city on a hill, never concealing our light. By opening ourselves to others, we help them open up to God, our generous Parent in heaven. The transfiguration of Jesus serves as a model for us, an invitation to embark on a similar journey. We are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, sharing His teachings, offering healing, extending love, and embracing all without reservation. By reaching out and drawing all into the embrace of God's love, we begin a transformation that molds us into better, more loving beings who radiate acceptance and friendship as the bedrock of our lives. As we draw nearer to God, our true nature becomes more radiant and glorious, and the voice of God will declare, "These are my children, marked by my love. Listen to them." With the power of love, we can transform the world, turning it into a better, transfigured place filled with light and hope. In this transfiguration, God invites us to partner with God’s Word and Spirit to realize the Kingdom of love on earth. Those who choose to walk with God will find themselves echoing the words of Elisha and telling God: "I'm not letting you out of my sight!" This marks the beginning of a thorough cleansing, a detoxification of our hearts and minds from negative thoughts, biases, and prejudices. It means letting go of destructive attitudes born of differences and embracing acceptance and love. God is not a secret to be kept. We are compelled to make God known, as public as a city on a hill. Paul says "If our Message is unclear to anyone, it's not because we're holding back in any way. No, it's because people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness, believing they can be provided what they desire, and avoiding the need to believe in a Truth they can't see. They remain blind to the radiant dawn of the Message that shines with Christ, who offers us the clearest image of God we'll ever receive." Will we be the light that guides others out of darkness, just as Jesus did on that sacred mountain? PRAYER Dear Lord, as we journey through the shadows of life, we seek Your divine light to pierce the darkness that surrounds us. Just as Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, transfigure our hearts and lives with Your love and grace. Help us be the light bearers in this world, shining brightly as a city on a hill, and guiding others out of darkness into the beautiful daybreak of hope and promise. We offer ourselves to be instruments of Your love, embracing all and walking with You to transform this world into a better, more just, and equitable place. In Your name, we pray. Amen. New Prayer Requests: We ask churches and church leaders to join us in the following prayers either by sharing them during worship, printing them in bulletins, or sharing them in some other way. To make a prayer request, please contact Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane at cochranem@sneucc.org. Prayers of Intercession: For the people of Ukraine and the Middle East whose lives continue to be shattered by war, as well as the many landscapes that are currently embroiled in conflicts . For those grieving or suffering due to the ~2,300 gun violence deaths that happened in the US since the start of the year. For those who are lonely. Prayers of Joy and Thanksgiving: For compelling preaching. For opportunities to regroup, including praying together. (You are invited to participate in Pause for Prayer, Wednesdays @ 12:30, Live on Facebook. Add your prayers through the chat feature, and recordings can be found on the SNEUCC Facebook page or our webpage.) This Week in History: February 27, 1922 (102 years ago): The Supreme Court defends women’s voting rights. The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, providing for female suffrage, is unanimously declared constitutional by the eight members of the U.S. Supreme Court. [History] “Study the past if you would define the future.” — Confucius Carlos Aoun Carlos Aoun Carlos Aoun, ordained on 26 May 2024, will be a Pastoral Resident at the Wellesley Congregational Village Church for the years 2024-2026. Carlos’s first career has been in the fields of art, photography, and teaching. He loves new encounters, ...