Mark 9:2-9 (NRSV)
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Verse 2Six 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, Verse 3and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. Verse 4And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Verse 5Then 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." Verse 6He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Verse 7Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" Verse 8Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
Verse 9As 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.
Devotion
Mark begins his story of Jesus with these words: "The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." As we continue reading Mark's "sermon" we hear a voice from heaven announcing Jesus as the beloved Son of God and that he is to be heard and heeded. We see Jesus casting out demons, giving sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. We hear his proclamation in word and deed that the presence and power of the kingdom of the living God is real and now.
Yet, there are many who do not see or perceive, who do not hear or listen. Even now as they stand with Jesus, Moses and Elijah in the mind-boggling event of the Transfiguration, the closest followers of Jesus still don't seem to get it. What they see and hear doesn't fit their expectations.
It is only when Jesus has died and been raised from death that the Holy Spirit frees us from all that prevents our seeing and hearing. Then we are truly able to begin to know, believe in and fully live with Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
Prayer
Living and Loving God, whom we meet and know most truly in Jesus, free us from all that clouds our hearts and minds. Use the coming Season of Lent to help us stand "beneath the cross of Jesus" and know that Jesus is the only true home within the wilderness of this world. Amen.