We are arriving at the end of this season of epiphany. Since Christmas, we’ve taken time to contemplate how God’s arrival in and through the person of Jesus is an event of significance still today. And this Sunday our story takes a profound turn. But not first without a little divine razzle-dazzle.
The story of the Transfiguration in Mark’s Gospel offers a revelation of God’s transformative vision for a world that’s entrenched in the status quo. This Sunday, we’ll hear how Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where he is transfigured before them. His clothes become dazzling white, and Elijah and Moses appear. This divine encounter unveils the essence of God’s transformative work.
In the midst of life’s routine and challenges, we often become comfortable with the status quo, settling for the familiar and predictable. Yet, the Transfiguration narrative reminds us that God’s vision transcends the mundane. It illuminates the reality of divine transformation, calling us to transcend our limited perspectives and embrace the fullness of God’s purpose.
Through the Transfiguration, God further reveals divine glory in Jesus, while also affirming his identity as the beloved son. This revelation invites us into a deeper understanding of Jesus’ mission and, ultimately, our own callings to participate in God’s transformative work. It challenges us to rise above complacency and embrace a vision of justice, love, and reconciliation for all creation.
Just as Peter, James, and John were awestruck by the divine manifestation on the mountain, we too are called to encounter God’s transformative presence in our lives. This encounter empowers us to challenge the status quo, to advocate for justice and compassion, and to embody the transformative love of Christ in our relationships and communities.
As we reflect on the Transfiguration story, may we be inspired to seek God’s transformative vision for our world, trusting in God’s power to renew, restore, and reconcile all things according to God’s purpose.
May God’s peace find you today. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… Lord, reveal your transformative vision in our lives, empowering us to challenge the status quo and embody the love of Jesus. Amen.