Transfiguration Sunday: Transfiguration and Glory (Mark 9:1-8)

People of God, this morning we come to the Mount of Transfiguration. As we ascend this mountain we are bound to be somewhat confused by what we see. It is a striking story on a mountain with clouds and glittering garments. It is a narrative found in the three synoptic[1] gospels, and in Mark we get a glimpse of this crucial turning point in the life of our Lord and in the life of the Church calendar.[2] Next Sunday begins the Lenten Season; a penitential season; a season of special reflection for God’s people regarding our sins, and the terrible cross bore by our Lord. But we are not there yet. Today we celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord. In summary, the Transfiguration is a glorious preview of what is to come for Jesus first, and then for us. The word Transfiguration means to be transformed or changed. What is remarkable for us as we listen to this passage is that we know the whole picture; the whole story, while Peter and the others only saw in part. As things were happening they were filled with perplexing questions, and at times they failed, particularly Peter, to see the purpose of what is happening. Continue reading “Transfiguration Sunday: Transfiguration and Glory (Mark 9:1-8)”