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
Just before today’s gospel reading Jesus had told his disciples about his coming suffering and death. Many of them didn’t understand how these terrible things were going to happen? They sensed that Jesus had powers that nobody else did, but to predict the future was hard to comprehend. And now as he takes them up on a mountain to be transfigured before them, and to now be charged to listen to him as God’s chosen Son, it doesn’t get any less puzzling when he points to his coming resurrection from the dead.
Have you ever been told something that you thought was impossible? Have you ever seen it come true later on, even though you thought it never could? When I was in elementary school, I thought I’d live in California for my entire life. My family, friends, and my life was perfect there. Then one day my dad lost his job and when he found a new job in Colorado, I was in disbelief that I was going to have to move there. But the day came and we moved. Like many times in my life, I prayed to Jesus for comfort and peace during that difficult transition.
Prayer
God of Comfort, please continuously open our hearts to hear you as in Jesus you lead us into your future. Meet us where we are at and light our way. Amen.