"Never Alone: The God Who Comes Down the Mountain" - 9:00 a.m. Traditional Eucharist

Rev. Billy Cerveny opens with a powerful story from John McCain’s imprisonment to illustrate the human longing for connection and the deep harm caused by isolation. He then turns to the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration in Matthew 17, set at Caesarea Philippi—symbolically known as a center of spiritual darkness—to show the disciples (and us) who Jesus truly is. In this moment of unveiled glory, the Father declares Jesus as His beloved Son, revealing not just power but profound closeness. Billy emphasizes that unlike the ancient gods who hid themselves on mountaintops, the true God steps down into our valleys, our pain, our shame, and our loneliness. Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus ensures we never face isolation alone. Filled with the Spirit who now dwells within us, believers can hear God’s gentle “tap on the wall,” and in turn become people who reach into others’ isolation with the hope, presence, and love of Christ. The sermon invites listeners to lift their eyes and see “Jesus only”—the God who walks with us through every valley.