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By Scott Baker

The season after the Epiphany is coming to a close, and as with all the years passed, it culminates with the transfiguration of our Lord. Although this season is not properly called “Epiphany season,” all of the lessons appointed to be read/heard in corporate worship are epiphanal in nature: In short, each serve as mini-revelations of who Jesus is, and what he came to do.

The transfiguration of our Lord stands as the bookend to where we began with the first Sunday after the Epiphany: The baptism of our Lord. At each occasion we hear tell of the divine voice from heaven proclaiming and affirming Jesus as God’s very own son. It is interesting that we opt for the more Latin transfigured, rather than stick with the original Greek metamorphosis. Metamorphosis brings to mind caterpillars and butterflies, and acorns into mighty oaks. Metamorphosis speaks of the power within and the latent potential deeply buried.

For us, as we hear this story once again, we, like Peter, James, and John are dumbfounded by the radiance of Christ’s heavenly glory. It is as if the veil is parted, if for just a brief moment, and we stand with the other three disciples lost in wonder and awe of God. The metamorphosis of Christ shows us that through the en-flesh-ment of God we too will be able to bear with weight of glory. It shows us that we too will be clothed in raiment whiter than any Fuller’s Soap could bleach them.

In the words of C.S. Lewis, we too, by the virtue of God taking on our nature, will become the “solid people reflecting he who is the light of the world.”

Metamorphosis means change. As we descend the holy mountain with Jesus and begin the long walk through the wilderness of Lent making our way to the cross of Good Friday, we claim the change that comes over us with each step we take toward Easter Sunday.

THE REV. SCOTT BAKER is the rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Franklin. Contact him at 562-4542.