"Do Not Be Afraid" - Rev Rachel Kramer

Описание: On this Transfiguration Sunday, we welcome Rev. Rachel Kramer, and our siblings up the street from the congregation of Calvary Lutheran ELCA.

Our Witness of Ancient Wisdom is from the Gospel of Matthew 17:1-9:

"Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a high mountain to be alone with them. And before their eyes, Jesus was transfigured—his face becoming as dazzling as the sun and his clothes as radiant as light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with Jesus.
Then Peter said, “Rabbi, how good that we are here! With your permission I will erect three shelters here—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah!” Peter was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them. Out of the cloud came a voice which said, “This is my Own, my Beloved, on whom my favor rests. Listen to him!” When they heard this, the disciples fell forward on the ground, overcome with fear. Jesus came toward them and touched them, saying, “Get up! Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they did not see anyone but Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountainside, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone about this until the Chosen One has risen from the dead.”

Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation (p. 651). Bloomsbury Publishing. Kindle Edition.

Witness of Modern Wisdom - ‘The Path Worn Smooth’ by Steven Charleston from Spirit Wheel: Meditations from an Indigenous Elder

If you are walking a long and difficult path
You may find it worn smooth by the number of others
Who have had to pass this way before.

Sorrow and struggle are not new to our human family.
The number of people who have carried heavy loads
Along this same road are too many to count.

You can see the evidence of their passing.
You can also feel their presence
For in their heavy burden
They made their imprint upon the Earth.
You can feel them watching over you
encouraging you to take the next step.

The silent witnesses to our pain walk beside us
The ancestors of our journey
Lead us to the high ground of hope.
Keep going.