Thoughts on Sunday’s Lessons for Feb. 11, 2018
Transfiguration of Jesus (1800s), oil painting by Carl Bloch (1834-1890). (Click image to enlarge)
Elijah’s fiery chariot. The rising sun and consuming flame of God’s justice. God’s light to the world. The Transfiguration of Christ! This week’s readings glow with the light of God revealed in shining glory. Throughout Epiphany we have found the light of God shining in the darkness. In Sunday’s first reading, we hear the ancient story of Elijah taken up into heaven in a fiery chariot. We stand with Elisha, his young successor who hopes to receive a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, looking on in mourning and awe.
Psalm: Psalm 50:1-6
Our short Psalm passage, a resounding hymn of worship and praise, calls the people who have joined in Covenant to come together in worship. Come near, the Psalmist shouts, and hear the God of gods speak, revealed in glory, calling the earth together from sunrise to sunset. God will speak and not keep silence, standing before a consuming flame and surrounded by a raging storm, calling the heavens and the earth to witness God’s judgment.
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
God brought light into the world, and God shows us the glory of God’s image in Christ. In his second letter to the people in Corinth, Paul tells them that because they believe, they see the light which those who do not believe do not see. For those who don’t believe, the light is veiled by worldy concerns. Christians are called to proclaim Jesus, not ourselves, Paul declares. We are to serve others humbly in service for Jesus’ sake.
Gospel: Mark 9:2-9
The season after Epiphany ends with the Transfiguration. Jesus, his clothes suddenly glowing an unearthly dazzling white, meets the patriarchs Elijah and Moses on a mountain top while his friends Peter, James, and John look on in awe. Remember when we saw John baptizing Jesus in the Jordan on the first Sunday of Epiphany, and Jesus heard God’s voice saying, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased”? Now Jesus is revealed as Messiah on the mountain top as God’s voice rings out again: “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”