Luke 9:33b-35
Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” —not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”
Peter, James and John catch a glimpse of Jesus bridging heaven and earth. He is transfigured, transformed, in front of their eyes. This side of Jesus is new to them. Jesus speaks with the heroes of their faith! Elijah AND Moses! Peter is clearly thrown by this. Terrified he blurts out the first this in his head… Let’s mark the occasion with a monument! As if the reality of the moment would be lost without a record of it. It’s a bit like folks going to a great concert and then spending their time recording it on their phones… looking into their devices instead of the stage. It is important to record and remember. Otherwise we wouldn’t have this story in our scripture. But it’s more important to live in that moment. “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”