The Feast of the Transfiguration gives us a glimpse of the glory of Christ on Mount Tabor, but it also gives us a simple message for the spiritual life: do not be afraid. Peter, James, and John see something far greater than they are prepared to understand, and they are overwhelmed. Yet God does not expect them to understand everything at once. They are being prepared little by little for the Cross and Resurrection that are still to come.

In this sermon, Fr. Stephen Osburn reflects on how the Transfiguration shows us the patience of God. Throughout the Gospel, the disciples are gradually prepared to understand who Christ is and what salvation means. The same pattern can be seen throughout Scripture, including God’s revelation to Moses. Orthodox Christianity continues this pattern by giving us a life of steady growth through prayer, fasting, ...