Note: (CL) = Controling Lesson (OT) = Old Testament (OTA) = Old Testament Alternative (NT) = New Testament (NTA) = New Testament Alternative (G) = Gospel (GA) = Gospel Alternative (Ps) = Psalm; one of these will follow all lessons for the week.

Note: Please be sure to look at previous posts because some of the week may have already been posted.


Sunday, February 23, 2014

The Sunday of the Transfiguration GA)

Mark 9:2-8
2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” 8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.

It seems strange to me to do another blog, or devotion, about the transfiguration. But this is an event that St Peter himself has mentioned in his second epistle. Even St John recalls the great importance of this event. This is God fully made manifest.

It is difficult for us to remember what was said in devotions in the past. It is difficult to remember what we have written where. The Epiphany season begins with the manifestation of God's light to the nations with the coming of the Magi. This continues with the voice from Heaven and the Baptism of our Lord. Then the Epiphany season generally focuses on Jesus early ministry, as he makes known to the  people of Israel that he is God in the flesh.

Now, Jesus allows himself to be revealed to a special group. He is fully manifesting the glory of The Lord in the flesh to St Peter, St John, St James, Moses, and Elijah. It is on this mountain top experience that we conclude the season of Epiphany because there is no greater way God is made manifest in Christ Jesus.

Some may argue with that last statement, because they will argue for the crucifixion or the resurrection of our Lord. It is true that Jesus on the road to Emmaus is made manifest in the flesh, and even in the breaking of bread. But these are not in the glory of The Lord with the cloud and the voice, or bluntly the Entire Trinity. The Transfiguration with Moses and Elijah is truly a foretaste of the feast to come.


Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)