From a distance

 

Sunday 1 March 2026

 Lectio Divina:*

Genesis 12:1-4

Psalm 32(33)

2 Timothy 1:8-10

Matthew 17:1-9

 Meditatio:

“…they saw no one except Jesus himself alone” (Matthew 17:8)

 Commentary:

The drama of what happened on Mount Tabor a long time ago involves heavenly visions, voices, visitations, excitement, joy, fear, awe, reassurance and prophecy.  The story of the Transfiguration is saturated in Old Testament talk and image. Matthew and the community he came from and wrote for were steeped in this world. The reckless and brash Peter is very much of this world outlook. His immediate and impulsive reaction to the extraordinary sights and sounds on this mountain is to offer to make three ‘tents’ or dwellings – one for Moses (communicator of the Law), one for the prophet Elijah (a great Prophet) and one for the new Moses, Law-giver and Prophet of Prophets, Jesus the Christ, who will teach and lead his people to the Promised Land.

Matthew notes that these events on Tabor take place “six days” after a crucial conversation. In chapter 16, Jesus has spoken openly of his coming death and resurrection. Immediately after Tabor, he repeats this solemn teaching (Matthew 17:22–23). The glory of the mountain is framed on both sides by the shadow of the cross. Splendour and suffering are never far apart. The Transfiguration is a moment of rest, renewal, and light—but it is given to strengthen the disciples for what lies ahead. At the end, they see “no one except Jesus himself alone.” Moses and Elijah fade; Jesus remains. He is the fulfilment of all that came before, and he alone must hold our attention.

And from that mountain height, things can be seen differently. Distance gives perspective. It is like the sentiment expressed in the song From a Distance: the world seen from afar appears harmonious, held within a larger, gentler gaze. The song’s refrain about God watching with a steady, compassionate view captures something of what the disciples glimpsed on Tabor: a momentary vision of the world as God sees it, before they return to the valley and the road ahead.

From a Distance by Julie Gold and sung by Bette Midler

From a distance the world looks blue and green
And the snow capped mountains white
From a distance the ocean meets the stream
And the eagle takes to flight
From a distance there is harmony
And it echoes through the land
It's the voice of hope
It's the voice of peace
It's the voice of every man
……..
God is watching us from a distance