We enjoy spending time each summer hiking in Glacier National Park. A few years back, we were out for an early morning hike just as the clouds came settling in. The air was still and silent, and everyone had the same thought. We recalled the readings from Exodus where the clouds settled over Mount Siani. It is a strange feeling to be in the mountains and have a cloud settle over you and hide the massive distant peaks.
The Lectionary readings for this day include the Old Testament readings from the book of Exudos.
Exodus 24:12-18
The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.” Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.
The New Testament readings are of the Transfiguration of our Lord. While Lutherans Celebrate this Festival Day on the last Sunday before Lent, other church bodies celebrate the Transfiguration at different times during the church year.
I wish there was a beautiful vintage embroidery of design for us to view of the Transfiguration, but even in the vast Ecclesiastical Sewing library, not all topics are covered in embroidery and designs. Wishing you peace and joy on this Holy Day.
Soli Deo Gloria
Photo credits:
Roberts, Carrie. Glacier National Park. 2018. Personal Collection. Baxter, MN.