When in doubt, listen

For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Lose's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

Preaching transfiguration can be confusing. What's this "minor festival" really about?

On one level, it's the culmination of the season of Epiphany, and certainly Jesus' transfiguration provides a climactic revelation that characterizes the season. On another, it leads us into Lent, as both the descent down the mountain and Jesus' words about his immanent death indicate. And on yet a third level, there's a foreshadowing of Easter, as Jesus' dazzling white raiment foreshadows that of the messengers who will declare his resurrection.