Text: Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
a cloud overshadowed them
(Photo: Shandi-lee)While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”
Not knowing what he has said or is saying, Peter suggests making three booths for Jesus, Moses and Elijah, creating a new trinity of holy ones. While he is saying this there is the cloud and shadows, terror and the voice. Only now does Peter realize that he has missed the point, misunderstood what he has seen. What have you known of revelatory moments in your life when you got the message wrong? How have you been brought up short only when a dark cloud has subsequently overshadowed and terrified you? What was the event you misinterpreted? What was the cloud and shadow? What do you recall of the terror? Why might it be that in some of life’s most important events we assume too easily and speak too quickly? Why might it be that it takes dark clouds and terror to make us reconsider and recalibrate? If there are dark clouds in your life and, perhaps, some fears that haunt you, wonder if they too may be challenging you to rethink some of the conclusions you are making about someone who is important to you. Even conclusions about yourself!
– Bill Dols
At the Workbench 