August 6: the Feast of the Transfiguration. The collect asks not for strength to bear the cross but to behold the King in his beauty, delivered from the disquietude of this world. The Season after Pentecost is long. The mountain appears in the middle of it. Rise, and have no fear.
Three times in six verses Jesus says do not be afraid, and each fear-not comes with a reason. The truth will be revealed. God alone holds eternity. And the Father who numbers the hairs of your head has not lost track of you. The theology of Christian courage.