Rev. Madeline Polhill reflects on Jesus’ Transfiguration and Moses’ mountaintop encounter with God as moments of divine mystery and glory. Rather than explaining the spectacle, she focuses on what follows: the disciples’ fear and Jesus’ gentle reassurance, “Get up and do not be afraid,” connecting it to repeated “do not be afraid” moments throughout Matthew’s Gospel. She emphasizes that Jesus leads the disciples back down the mountain to continue the work of love and ministry that will culminate in the cross, and invites listeners, especially as Lent approaches, into a journey of self-examination, repentance, service, and discipleship. Centering the voice from the cloud—“This is my Son, the beloved… listen to him”—she calls the faithful to follow Jesus, take refuge in God’s glory, and return to the world to do the work Jesus calls them to do.

00:00 Opening Prayer & Welcome

00:22 The Transfiguration: Awe, Mystery, and Mountaintop Glory

01:30 Moses on the Mountain: Exodus and Divine Mystery

02:32 What the Transfiguration Confesses: Radiance in Jesus

04:30 From Majestic to Mundane: What Happens After the Vision

05:10 Fear and the Gentle Command: “Get Up, Do Not Be Afraid”

06:08 “Do Not Be Afraid” Across Matthew’s Gospel

07:57 Back Down the Mountain: Returning to Ministry and the Cross

08:52 Lent Invitation: Following Jesus into Repentance and Service

09:27 Listen to Him: The Voice from the Cloud and the Call to Follow

10:20 Closing Charge & Blessing: Held by God, Sent into the World

In this Sunday sermon, Mother Paige reflects on the teachings of Jesus, particularly focusing on the message of 'Stay Salty, Be Bright,' derived from the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes. She emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus' words about being 'the salt of the earth' and 'the light of the world.' The sermon encourages living out these virtues by aligning one's heart with God's righteousness and acting mercifully, justly, and lovingly in the world. This message also ties into the broader context of Christian practice and tradition, urging believers to genuinely embody their faith and enact positive change in a world filled with needs and injustices.

00:00 Opening Prayer and Introduction

00:12 The Beatitudes: Foundation of Jesus' Teachings

04:41 Understanding 'Salt of the Earth'

06:57 The Light of the World: Letting Your Light Shine

08:14 Aligning Rituals with True Faith

10:37 Call to Action: Stay Salty, Be Bright

11:19 Conclusion: Embrace Your Unique Blessedness

Mother Susan discusses the tradition of presenting Jesus at the temple, the symbols of light and purity, and the roles of Mary and Joseph as faithful parents. The sermon also touches on the importance of senior witnesses like Simeon and Anna, who recognized Jesus as the light for revelation. Mother Susan encourages the community to embody the light of Christ in their lives and reflects on the collective journey of faith, culminating in the annual church meeting to celebrate past achievements and future aspirations.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Prayer

00:13 Groundhog Day and Its Significance

01:46 The Feast of the Presentation

03:43 Jesus' Infancy and Presentation in the Temple

07:35 Simeon and Anna: Witnesses to the Light

10:36 The Struggles of Early Christians

11:48 Jesus as the High Priest and Pioneer

13:13 Living as the Body of Christ

14:50 Conclusion and Final Blessing