Dear Saints,

This weekend’s Gospel reading recounts a significant scene: Jesus’ Transfiguration. There, at the turning point of Jesus’ mission, we hear these powerful words: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

Now, we’ve heard this kind of thing before: In Jesus’ Baptism, a voice from the heavens was heard, “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.” Jesus’ temptation followed shortly thereafter.

What does this mean? What does it mean for us?

We’re meant to hear that at the very heart of God’s humanity-rescuing project is not Jesus’ doing something, but his being something. He is God’s beloved Son. Only in the strength of his Father’s love can Jesus take on the world (and the flesh and the devil).

Likewise, our lives as Christians are not primarily about what we do, but about who we are. By our baptism, we have been made sons and daughters in the Son. God is our Father.

God is everything a good father is and more: He is patient, kind, and compassionate; He is firm, unrelenting in love, and moved by the devotion of his children; He is generous, merciful, and just. We are his and he loves us so!

Have you ever felt so well and truly loved that nothing could disturb you, nothing could take away your peace or your joy? That’s the way it’s meant to be with God. Hear God say to you this week, “(Insert your name here), you are my beloved son/daughter. With you I am well pleased.” Together, taking hold of our identity in Christ, our identity as God’s beloved sons and daughters, we will find the strength to respond generously to whatever these days and weeks bring our way.

In one of Jesus’ most difficult hours, he saw fit to encourage his disciples. If you’re struggling, this part of Jesus’ farewell discourse might be just the words you need to hear: "But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

In the Peace of Christ,

Father Daniel

δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ

PS We’ve begun some upgrading of the narthex to better serve our families with young children. I’m very excited to bring better sound and a clearer view to our youngest and loudest parishioners… everything should be installed within a couple weeks. And yes, we’re planning to repurpose the old windows.