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
Yesterday's reflection noted that many persons neither saw nor heard the truth about Jesus because he did not fit their expectations. They were convinced that when God's promised Savior appeared, his presence would be obvious because his astounding glory would be clearly seen.
Even though Jesus again and again told his closest followers that he would suffer and be executed, they continued to look for that glory. Now on the mountain of transfiguration, Peter seems to want to create some kind of memorial to remember the glory of that mountaintop experience.
Jesus tried and the Holy Spirit tries to make it clear that it is in the death of Jesus that true life becomes real for all who not only hear, but listen and who not only see, but perceive.
Prayer
Living and Loving God, by your Holy Spirit open up our hearts, minds and eyes to look for Jesus, not in the brilliant light of high mountains, but rather beneath the Cross. Amen.