By: The Rt. Rev Derek Jones
Many who grew up watching Perry Mason, Ben Matlock, or perhaps some other crime television program came to understand that you don’t believe everything you see. In this generation of CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) and modern scientific crime programs we have become spoiled into always believing the forensic evidence. My father taught me a better lesson… don’t believe everything you think!
In our Gospel reading today, Peter is quoted in the very middle of an amazing event – the transfiguration of Christ. Scripture tells us he is afraid – he could hardly believe what he was seeing as it took place right before his eyes. What he believed he was seeing was the coming of an age. He didn’t want to leave the place and knowing not what to say, said the only thing he thought the evidence supported – “…it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Jesus knew that what Peter, James and John witnessed was beyond their understanding and that it would not be until after his resurrection that they would fully grasp the event they had witnessed. So, he instructs them to wait until his resurrection to share the evidence… Jesus was, in a sense, saying, “Don’t believe what you think!”
Science now understands the indisputable evidence to something the Christian faith has long held true – that is, life begins at conception. Those who wish to ignore this truth want to build a tent around a false reality and say “…it’s just tissue…” or “…there’s no life there…” and so what we do is good. As a matter of convenience and in a searing of their conscience, they seek to keep in place a veil over that truth… they prefer to believe what they think. But, just as the Apostles came to understand the Transfiguration after Christ’s resurrection and share the Gospel message that is “veiled to the perishing” we carry the message of life that removes all veils. What we see to be true in scripture and life is supported by the forensic evidence; and in the illumination looking back on what Christ did for us on the Cross and by His resurrection, we fully understand the precious gift of life that is given to us. It is our responsibility to share the truth we know so that others may also know – and share it in the love of Christ without condemnation or judgment just as Christ would have us to do.