Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Feb. 26, 2006

BCP: 1 Kings 19:9-18, Psalm 27 or 27:5-11, 2 Peter 1:16-19 (20-21), Mark 9:2-9

RCL: 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, 2 Cor. 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9

In Jewish thought, Moses and Elijah represent “the law and the prophets.” The expression came to be used as shorthand language to mean all of the inspired scriptures. At the time of Jesus, good Jews listened to the law and prophets for direction in their lives.

Now, in the Transfiguration story, the voice from heaven says, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” (Mark 9:7). Let’s put the emphasis on the word “him,” not implying turning a deaf ear to the scriptures, but rather listening to Jesus for the fulfillment of the inspired writings. We shift our emphasis from listening to Moses and Elijah to listening to Jesus. It is not an either/or conundrum, but a question of emphasis.

Jesus then leads Peter, James and John down the mountain in spite of Peter’s desire for permanent residence. The mountain top may provide a breathtaking view, but listening to Jesus compels us to dwell down in the ruts of the highways and alleys, shining the light, spreading the news.

Coming down from a mountain top experience is a common theme in scripture. When Elijah is hiding in a mountain cave God says to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:13). When Elijah is finally taken up in a whirlwind, Elisha, who wanted to stay with his master, must remain in the world (2 Kings 2:11-12). Finally, 2 Peter makes reference to the Transfiguration event. This was probably not written by Peter himself, but the author must have remembered Peter talking about it. Obviously Peter did not hide out on the mountain; he spread the word.

The challenge for us is to live betwixt and between, on the path. Because we need the rejuvenation that the vision brings, we must go to the mountain. But because of our commission, we cannot stay on the mountain. Listening to Jesus takes place both on the mountain in the cloud and in life’s valleys.

Look It Up

Comb through scriptures, especially the Old Testament, for mountains and clouds as places to meet God. Notice that they are never permanent residences.

Think About It

Where is our mountain? Where do we receive refreshment? How do we do coming down? How are we at going up again?

Next Sunday

First Sunday in Lent, March 5, 2006

BCP: Gen. 9:8-17, Psalm 25 or 25:3-9, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-13

RCL: Gen. 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-9, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15