“You see, neither the one with the hoe nor the one with the hose is anyone. No, it’s God—the one who is behind the harvest” (1 Corinthians 3.7).
Reading Paul’s words, I got to thinking about the many things I’ve read that tend to wax pastoral with planting and harvesting metaphors. Yes, the world is awaiting a grand harvest of love and hope. And that can sound really beautiful, until you’re actually out in the yard, sweaty, dirty, and smelling like you haven’t bathed all week.
This last Sunday of the Epiphany season is traditionally one when the Transfiguration story is read. And, like the planting and sowing images, it’s a day when things can get a bit idyllic, otherworldly. Sure, it’s pretty unnatural that Jesus goes day-glow and converses with folks long passed, but while this moment is a manifestation of Jesus’ essence, he’s still Jesus—as human as you or me.
Maybe it’s just my background or perception, but the story of what happened on that mountaintop makes Jesus seem distant and other. Perhaps it’s just the sense that I’ve always had that transformation is about becoming something holy, untouchable.
But what I’m coming to understand is that while there is a brilliance to becoming and growing, it’s far more like getting dirt in the grooves of your hands or your shoes soaked from the hose. It’s work that requires sweat and needing a hot shower afterward. You might even encounter pain.
Yet, we don’t do it alone. The One whose clothes shone white as snow came back down the mountain where the dusty and unpredictable road lies. And he doesn’t seem bothered by a little dirt.
Transformed One, help me along this road to being more loving, more like You so, together, we can work to make all things new.