Growing Up

We’re at that age with our children – and have been for some time – where they are taking up more and more of the “adult” responsibilities in their lives of which we previously had custody. Paying insurance, handling their tax, dealing with difficult issues are now more and more in their hands, as it should be. These tasks are not always easy, or pleasant, but it’s something which most adults learn, or need to.

Growing up is usually wonderful, with the appearance of taking charge of our own lives; the allure of jobs and money and the freedom to make our own choices. We can be confident that we can handle this adult caper, until suddenly we have to make the big decision without the support team. Often, at the cusp of “growing up”, it can suddenly feel like we’re out there on our own (which plumber/accountant/theologian do I call?) and the joy of being responsible can feel very exposed.

We can see examples of that in our community at the moment, when our current Prime Minister promised “grown-up government” (translate: better), as they all do and has now discovered governing a nation is harder than it looks, as it always has been.

The wonder of this week’s Gospel story is bracketed by the unnerving reality of growing up. Three disciples are transfixed by the glory confronting them, as Jesus is illuminated in the presence of Moses and Elijah. One of the disciples tries to find something to say, to capture the moment, and suggests building accommodation for Jesus and these supernatural figures from Israel’s history. It’s the kind of thing I’d say when I didn’t know what to do.

But the wonder of this moment is not the only story; it’s what comes next and what came before.

Jesus has begun to tell his followers that growing up is on the agenda, and they don’t have long. A moment ago Jesus has told them about the fate, both awful and wonderful, which awaits him and Peter has refused to accept it.

Perhaps Peter only hears the awful part, or can only accept the part which he understands – suffering and dying. Perhaps Peter only hears that Jesus will be gone soon, and he feels exposed. He has given up his home, family and livelihood to follow this extraordinary new teacher and suddenly it feels very impermanent.

After the wonderful mountain-top moment, they are immediately thrown back into reality. A child is extremely ill and the disciples appear powerless. Jesus’ response almost sounds like an impatient adult: When are you going to grow up? I’m not always going to be around!

He then repeats his earlier statement about his suffering and death and resurrection. The Gospel tells us that, like children, the disciples didn’t understand and were afraid to ask him.

The season ahead of us, like all discipleship, is about growing up into Jesus. This may be growth in prayer, or an ability to teach; our discipleship might look like a new heart for justice, or gifts of mercy offered whenever possible. The encounters we have with Jesus are wonderful. And then we are encouraged to grow up a little bit more.

The healing and forgiveness we experience through Christ is ours to offer in turn. Offering it might be an unnerving experience, especially in those first few opportunities. Perhaps it’s like starting school, or high school, or leaving home for uni or that first job. Perhaps that first serious romantic relationship has some echoes here, or buying that first home.

When we follow Jesus, we have that assurance, that Jesus is always ahead of us, and that our future is held in his love and resurrection.