June 10, 2012

Exodus and Transfiguration

St. Luke's account of the Transfiguration is unique in one detail.

While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. (Luke 9:29-31)

Many miss it when they read this scripture; Jesus was to accomplish an exodus in Jerusalem. That is what Jesus, Elijah and Moses were conversing about - a second exodus. The exodus Jesus was to accomplish was in many ways similar to, and a fulfillment of the exodus which Moses led, but never completed. 

Moses himself never crossed into the promised land, but Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven.

Moses led the people out of slavery and bondage, but they kept slipping into sin and acting like their captors back in Egypt. Jesus however, completes the exodus and gives us a very real way to rid ourselves of sin  - baptism, confession and himself in the Eucharist.


-Tim-