Rector's Sermon - Sunday, March 2, 2003

First Reading	Psalm	Epistle	Gospel
2 Kings 2:1-12	103: 1-6, 11-13, 22	2 Corinthians 4:3-6	Mark 9:2-9

     The prophet Elijah’s life was full of high drama. When he confronted the kings of Israel, everyone stopped and took notice. Elijah was the one who led all the false priests up to a mountain, flagrantly insulting them and challenging them to reveal their power. Then with one sweep of his arm, Elijah called down fire to confirm the reality of the one true God. Even when Elijah was discouraged, his experience was memorable. He went out into the desert and camped in a cave waiting for a revelation from God. A storm of wind and thunder shook the earth, but God did not appear. Finally the voice of God came in a small still voice of silence, telling Elijah to go back. Next to Moses, Elijah was the most revered religious leader of ancient Israel. Later Jewish tradition held the return of Elijah would usher in the messiah.

     Today’s story takes place as Elijah’s life is drawing to an end. Elisha is his most devoted disciple. There is no question of Elisha’s loyalty and courage. Yet Elisha is scared and pleads for Elijah not to abandon him. Elijah knows that his disciple is troubled, so he finally asks, “How can I ease your anxiety?” Elisha’s request to receive a double share of Elijah’s power does not seem to be based on selfish motives. Elisha wants to perpetuate Elijah’s leadership and wisdom. Elijah’s response is enigmatic. What he says and what his disciple is prepared to hear might have been two very different things.

     The story then becomes more ambiguous, as it rushes to its conclusion. Together they cross over the Jordan River and are back in the wilderness again. A whirlwind separates them and Elisha sees Elijah taken up. Elisha pours out his anguish, “Father, father”, for indeed Elijah has been his second father. He acknowledges Elijah as the carrier of God’s strength and protection to Israel in terms of the chariots and horses. Then Elisha is alone.

     Presumably Elisha saw Elijah’s final moments. The story on the surface seems to imply that his wish to receive a double share of his teacher’s power was granted. Yet we know Elisha had not even half the influence of Elijah. Elisha was never greater than his teacher.

    Perhaps what this story is telling us that through this experience, Elisha learned that he was not expected to be as great as Elijah and that was OK. God would still be with him. He had not been abandoned, even though Elijah his teacher was no longer by his side. Elisha had it within himself to be faithful and that would be sufficient.

    The Gospel story of the transfiguration is equally enigmatic. It too, signifies transition, from Jesus’ ministry along the shores of Galilee to Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem. It portends a separation of Jesus from his disciples and the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Like Elisha, the disciples are anxious. Before and after Jesus leads them up the mountain the disciples argue over who is the greatest among them, who will have power and influence.

    Jesus refutes these expectations. The future would not involve demonstrations of more power. Jesus talked in terms of suffering. Some commentators have suggested that the transfiguration did not involve a change in Jesus, but was a revelation of how the disciples would change. They would learn that Jesus was not promising them a double share of his power, and that was OK. He would not abandon them. It was enough to be faithful.

    We too are living in an ambiguous and transitional time. The future is heavy with uncertainty. As we enter the season of Lent, it is tempting to search for some assurance of security. Yet like Elisha and the disciples, perhaps God is seeking to redefine our search. God transforms our fears, hopes and expectations. I suspect the disciples had such vivid memories of the transfiguration precisely because they remembered how mistaken they were.

    The church started small. The disciples did not attract huge crowds or perform tremendous miracles. It was sufficient for them to be faithful and witness to the Gospel. God did not abandon then even if they did not receive the assurance of success and certain power that they had first yearned for. Perhaps that is why as we begin our journey or continue our spiritual searchings, the story of Elisha's wish and the disciples’ experience at transfiguration offer us a special blessing.

     And I offer this to you in the name of the Living God, Amen.