October 18

Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9
There are many interesting points of discussion in today’s reading.  However, the one that really sticks out in my mind is Peter’s recognition of Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration. You might ask, “What’s the big deal?”  Well, how did he recognize them?  There was no photography in the time of Moses and Elijah.  I suppose it’s possible that some artist painted their portraits, but it’s highly unlikely.  And, even if that had been done, how probable is it that those portraits would have survived the ages through all the turmoil, captivity, scattering, and disruption that the Jews were subjected?  So, no, I really don’t believe that Peter, James, or John had ever seen a likeness of these two great prophets of old.  Therefore, what gave them away?  I don’t have the answer.  But, allow me to propose this supposition: there is something within each of us that transcends our physical appearances, causing us to be known for whom we are and have been.  I don’t pretend to know what that something is, it just seems to me that it is such a strong element that God has placed upon each of us, that it transcends death and the grave, leading me to believe that we will know each other in eternity, just as we do in this life.  Food for thought.