Friday, March 20, 2015

Today’s Reading  |  Mark 9:2–13
Six 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, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then 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.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

As 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. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said to them, “Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.” (NRSV

Reflection
This passage is often referred to as “The Transfiguration.” Accompanied by the prophets Elijah and Moses, Jesus transforms into a heavenly being in the presence of three of his closest disciples. Jesus gives the disciples a glimpse of the awesomeness of the heavenly afterlife that awaits each of us.

My wish is that each of us is also blessed with a glimpse of the Holy Spirit during this sacred Lenten season. I love spending time on Chicago’s lakefront. The brilliant sunlight reflecting off of Lake Michigan inspires me and reminds me of the power and beauty of Christ’s love. 

Prayer
Dear God, help us see and feel you here with us on earth. Fill us with hope. Thank you for the beautiful gift of life everlasting. Amen. 

Written by Debbie Frisch, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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