Last Sunday of the Epiphany
February 11, 2024
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. Mark 9:2-9
Most of rarely have visions, and even less rarely do we have mountain top visions. Peter, James and John went up the mountain for some quiet prayer time away from the crowds. They saw Jesus as he really was, his complete self, surrounded by Moses and Elijah, pillars of the faith. They wanted to build monuments to the moment, when they saw their teacher's completeness in relationship to the Father, and to all of history. Their eyes were opened for a glimpse of God's fullness. Instead of making monuments they had to go back down the mountain, put one foot in front of the other, and bear the pain that would come their way. It is this way for all of us. We can only glimpse the fullness of God's love for us.
A Litany for the Last Sunday of Epiphany
Wondrous Creator, your are with us all
in every age and with every tribe and family
you breathe your spirit upon all humanity
and see every one of us as beloved children.
Lord, make us new with the vision of your love.
We humans fight for supremacy and wealth
violence and wars replace the works of service
we forget that we are so loved by you
that you send your son to die for everyone's sin.
Lord, make us new with the vision of your love.
Help us to move away from selfless greed
make us put our effort and focus on community
let us see you face in the stranger and alien
and help us hear your words of love for all people.
Lord, make us new with the vision of your love.
We often get afraid and think we are alone
help us to see you drawing close in cloudy times.
Lord, make us new with the vision of your love.
We have lost our direction and our hearts
put our feet again on your righteous road.
Lord, make us new with the vision of your love.
For you have given us your life and your spirit
and you will lift us to the mountain top again.
Lord, make us new with the vision of your love. Amen
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