What does it mean to light up a mountaintop? While Moses bravely enters the cloud atop Mount Sinai for a prolonged stay, Jesus’ disciples cower in fear and feel they should not be witness to such a bright beam of divinity and prophets. Peter even offers to cover Moses, Elijah and Jesus with a tent each! He reacts in fear, but also asks as a way to sustain this mountaintop revelation - that the prophets may continue to dwell amongst the disciples, in a way that reflects the dwellings during the great Exodus.
How can we be witness to such a light, not try to hide it from ourselves, and still remain engaged in unlearning the anti-black racism that is part of celebrating people of African descent this month? As we explore the beauty and awe of the light, may we also remember the importance and depth of darkness, the way both are needed for growth and for rest, and celebrate the beautiful contrasts of creation that help to highlight the importance, beauty and brilliance of blackness alongside the glow of the divine described in our scriptures.
