The Gospel of Mark 9:2-9
Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them anymore, but only Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
Let us Pray:
Almighty God, at the Transfiguration you showed Jesus in a new state of glory and gave His disciples a glimpse of what they would see in his risen life. As we worship together week by week help us to get a glimpse of your heavenly kingdom as well as a deeper understanding of how your son, Jesus, can transfigure our broken and unfulfilled lives. This we pray in your Name. Amen.
The Transfiguration of Jesus gives us a brief and transient glimpse of Jesus in all his glory. It is a taste of what is to come. It is offered to us to encourage and challenge us in our daily lives to do well. It reminds us that our lives are far more than what we see, hear, and experience every day for as long as we are alive.
The Transfiguration is one of the highlights of Jesus’ revelation as the Son of God. Previously, Jesus mentioned His death and resurrection which the apostles, especially Peter, could hardly comprehend. They were getting confused because their expectation of Jesus as the Messiah was starting to fail. Then they witnessed the dazzling light in Jesus’ Transfiguration and their spirit was once again lifted up.
The opportunity to see the glory of God even in glimpses is one of the benefits of being a true believer of Christ. When we acknowledge the Holy Spirit, it is like being on the top of the mountain with Jesus. And you can say that it is good to be here. Remember though you will have to come down off the mountain. It won’t be like what Jesus told those with Him not to tell anyone, it is just the opposite, we are to go out and spread the Word and Good News of the kingdom and the Glory of God. We do this by learning to live the life of Christ and in that valley where there can be despair and heartbreak, we reach out to those less fortunate.
As we leave the season of Epiphany and get ready to enter the season of Lent we look forward to springtime. Lent can be viewed as a spiritual spring cleaning: a time for taking spiritual inventory and then cleaning out those things which hinder our personal relationships with Jesus Christ and our service to him.
Finally we need to remember the words of God, “This is my son, the Beloved; Listen to Him.”. Listen as he says again, “GO…make disciples.”
Let us Pray: Lord guide us as we come down off the mountain into the valley. Let us see the need around us and help us go forth into the world as the Disciples of our. Lord. This we ask in your name. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 