Transformed

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL: Mark 9:2-9 (MESSAGE)

Six days later, three of them did see it. Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them. Elijah, along with Moses, came into view, in deep conversation with Jesus.  Peter interrupted, "Rabbi, this is a great moment! Let's build three memorials— one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah." He blurted this out without thinking, stunned as they all were by what they were seeing.  Just then a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep in the cloud, a voice: "This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him."  The next minute the disciples were looking around, rubbing their eyes, seeing nothing but Jesus, only Jesus. Coming down the mountain, Jesus swore them to secrecy. "Don't tell a soul what you saw. After the Son of Man rises from the dead, you're free to talk."

 

How many of us remember that pinnacle point in our lives when we felt on top of the world?  Maybe it was a promotion at work or getting married, graduating from university or the birth of a child; perhaps it was words of affirmation from a mentor, the perfect vacation or even just a day with absolutely nothing to do. Most of us know the feeling of being on top of the world or at least at the top of the mountain.

In our lesson for this Sunday, Jesus takes three disciples all known for their truly human attributes (Peter’s confession and denial, James and John’s argument over who is the greatest) up a mountain to witness something spectacular.  In this moment they see history, tradition and faith come to bright white light and confirm that Jesus is the Messiah.   But just like us, they respond to this mountaintop experience in a very human way.  They want to stay.  Peter, in particular, wants to build shelters and stay there forever.  However, this is only part of the journey not the end and the disciples and Jesus have to come back down the mountain and resume their mission and ministry.

Our lives are filled with peaks and valleys.  When we are on top of the world, we forget that we cannot stay there forever.  We must journey down into the valley so that we can travel back up with a different perspective and experience.  

This Sunday, known as Transfiguration Sunday, is the last Sunday before the season of Lent begins.  It is the Sunday when we remember who Jesus really is in our lives and in the life of the world.  We recall this so that as we go down the mountain during Lent, as we walk the valley of Holy Week, we keep in mind that Easter is always in front of us – that there are always more mountains to climb and more peaks to enjoy.

Join us this Sunday, February 19 at 10am in Christ Church this last Sunday before Lent begins, we will explore the journey of transformation, reflection and transfiguration that three disciples experience with Jesus.  Looking forward to seeing you in Church!