February 27, 2021

...from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
– Mark 9:7

On this second Sunday of Lent, we hear in Mark’s gospel the account of the transfiguration of the Lord. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain, and Jesus is transformed before their eyes; His clothes become dazzling white like no bleach on earth could make them. We hear about Elijah and Moses appearing on the mountaintop too. The scene ends when a voice comes out of the cloud identifying Jesus as the Son of God. It is all rather other worldly, isn’t it? That is what it is supposed to be.

Put yourself on that mountain top. How frightened are you? (Peter was so befuddled and afraid that he suggested building tents!). What does dazzling white look like? Can you even look at Jesus robed in white, or are his clothes so bright you have to shield your eyes? That voice from the cloud—is it loud, deep, warm? How does the sound make you feel? Then as quickly as all the commotion happens, it is over and you are there once again with your two friends and your master. Coming down the mountain, Jesus reminds you to keep quiet about what you just witnessed until the Son of Man is raised from the dead…wait, what? What does rising from the dead even mean?

We live in such an amazing time. We know what rising from the dead means because we are an Easter people. We know that we are called to die to ourselves so that we may rise in Christ to newness of life. We know that because of the hope we have in Jesus’ resurrection, when this life is over, we have eternity to live in heaven with God—Father, Son, and Spirit—the angels, saints and all the holy men and women who have gone before us.  

Just as it was the job of the disciples when Jesus walked the earth, it remains our job to listen to Jesus; our God commands us to do that. Let us open our ears and our hearts to the voice of God. May we hear and follow Jesus more closely today.

Jesus, I trust in you.



©Mary V. Pribbenow