Transfiguration serves as a fitting climax of Epiphany and grounding for Lent/Ash Wednesday.

It takes bravery to look so squarely at our own fragility, our deaths, at our shortcomings and false steps as disciples of Jesus. It is not an easy road to walk, and if started on the wrong foot can either lead to an unhelpful defensiveness or to an unhealthy self-flagellation. But the image and words of the Transfiguration establish us on the right ground to begin the walk to the cross. The Transfiguration points our eyes to the glory of Christ; the one to whom we are turning in repentance, the one to whom we ask for mercy; and by turning our eyes to his glory we are reminded that we are safe. We are held. We are enveloped in the dependable love of the heart of creation and Lord of time. We are met at the moment we are starkly reminded of our mortality, by the one who lifts our fallen heads and tenderly says, “do not be afraid.”