Inviting Three Friends into the Trinity

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

… While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.Listen to him!” - Matthew 17:1-5

This week we’ve been thinking about what it means to be chosen family. Here we see Jesus choosing three close friends for one of the highlight moments of his life. And it’s not just about connecting with Moses and Elijah - also part of Jesus’s chosen family - but about connecting with the Trinity! (God speaks… and they get to listen in!).

Take some time to reflect on that scene, along with this quote from queer pastor Mihee Kim-Kort, reflecting on radical belonging and what she learned from the Korean American church of her youth:

“I think our church truly became like a family to us not because we shared the same language or lineage, but because we were a part of each other’s moments – all those struggles and celebrations throughout the whole week… How wonderful it is that we are given the holy and sacred task of holding space for one another, for this shared belovedness. Not just clergy, or the elders or deacons, not only those ordained, but all of us are called to convey the presence and promise of God’s steadfast love. To be witnesses to one another’s belovedness. And it can happen in what seem like ordinary and everyday acts of belonging: a phone call, a visit, a meal, a prayer.” Mihee Kim-Kort, https://pres-outlook.org/2023/04/the-belovedness-of-community/

What is bubbling up in your heart and mind as you reflect this morning? Talk with God about that.