Transfiguration Sunday ~ or "T-Fig" as pastor-types sometimes call it ~ is tomorrow. T-Fig is the Sunday we celebrate Jesus' journey up the mountain with Peter, James and John when Jesus was transformed in dazzling brightness and visited by Moses and Elijah.

Transfiguration Sunday is a sort of 'preview' of things to come. It takes place in the midst of Jesus ministry with the people and just before he begins his journey toward Jerusalem and his crucifixion. In our church year, Transfiguration closes out the Season of Epiphany ~ the season of wonder and awe ~ and sets us up for the Journey of Lent.

Sometimes we need a glimpse of the good things to come before we can face the difficult road ahead. That was probably true for the disciples. While they had no way to know it at the time, the Transfiguration would become something they could hold on to during the difficult days of Jesus arrest, trial and crucifixion. Because of the Transfiguration, they knew on some level that there was more to Jesus' life and mission than was readily visible in the happenings around them.

Have there been times in your life when you have been given a preview of the good things to come? Has there been an image or a message you have held on to in difficult times to help you get through? The Transfiguration could help the disciples ~ and can help us ~ remember that there is hope in God's dazzling brightness even in the darkest days.