“Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.”  (Luke 9:28-32) The season of Epiphany closes with this final and profound manifestation of Jesus’ glory: the Transfiguration.  Several thoughts come to mind; first, what actually happened?  I do not really have a clue except it seems to me that for just a little while the veil was parted and the glory of who Jesus is showed forth.  His beauty, goodness and mercy blazed like the sun and Moses and Elijah (the Law and the Prophets) recognized it.  Second, in the midst of all this glory what is the initial response of the disciples, “We’re so tired!”  I do not know about you, but this is my temptation, just when our Lord is about to make himself known, I find myself distracted by so many other things.  I feel worn out by the cares of the world (and often the church as well).  How about you?  Finally, verse 28 references that the Transfiguration only occurs “after these sayings.”  And what are those sayings?  That the Son of man must suffer and die; and also that anyone who would follow him must also take up the cross.  What I continue to learn about Jesus is that his glory can only be known in the light of his suffering.  What I continue to learn about myself is how much I would rather avoid walking in his path.  But in spite of that he comes and reveals himself and prepares the way before us.  I am hoping to keep all that in mind as we move into Lent.  How about you?