Transfigured

Six days later, 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 any more, 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. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Then they asked him, ‘Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ He said to them, ‘Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.’ Mark 9:2-13

Sometimes, we get glimpses of the real person, the one not hidden behind the facade of correctness and propriety. Occasionally, it's a good insight that warms our hearts. Too often, we see the bitter, angry and petty person hidden inside the polished, warm exterior. Three disciples, who lived with Jesus day in and day out, got a momentary glimpse of the real Jesus. They saw him with Moses and Elijah, the famous ancestors of their people, those they believed closest to God. And here was the man who walked the dusty roads with them, conversing with the saints, and hearing the voice of God. It confused and amazed them, scaring them within an inch of their lives. They didn't know what to do and they realized this was no ordinary teacher. From this dazzling moment on the mountain, their journey would be to Jerusalem and the final passion. This little glimpse helped them hold on to their faith in the face of great trauma.

Gracious Creator, you give us vision of beauty

in the midst of trying times you send sweet breezes

you comfort us with kind friends and strangers

and restore our hope even when we are very afraid.

We often trust in our own strength and power

and when those give out we curse and cry out

yet you are sending sunsets and new days to all

and restoring our vision, if we would but take it in.

Lord, help us today to see the glimpses of your love

make us humble so we can share your love abroad

keep us strong and faithful in these hard times

so your love might shatter all walls and chains. Amen.