Thoughts on Sunday’s Lessons for Feb. 14, 2021
First Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-12
Our Gospels in the season after the Epiphany follow Jesus through the early years of his public ministry as told by John and Mark, gradually unveiling his status as leader, teacher, and healer.
The Transfiguration of Christ (1605), oil painting on canvas by Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640). Museum of Fine Arts of Nancy, France. (Click image to enlarge.)
This week we conclude this rather brief journey from Christmastide to Lent with the revelation of Jesus as prophet and messiah. Sunday’s readings glow with the light of God revealed in shining glory: Elijah’s fiery chariot; the rising sun and consuming flame of God’s justice; God’s light to the world, and finally the Transfiguration of Jesus with the patriarchs Elijah and Moses on a mountain top. Our first reading tells the ancient story of Elijah taken up into heaven in a fiery chariot while Elisha, his young successor, looks on in awe.
Psalm: Psalm 50:1-6
This week we read only a portion of Psalm 50, about one-fourth of its 23 verses. But it is a memorable passage, a resounding hymn of worship and praise, calling 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, we sing, standing before a consuming flame while 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. Because they believe, Paul tells the people of Corinth in his second letter to them, they can see the light that those who do not believe do not see. For those who do not believe, he continues, that light is veiled by worldly concerns. Christians are called to proclaim Jesus, not ourselves, Paul declares. We are to serve others humbly for Jesus’ sake.
Gospel: Mark 9:2-9
On the first Sunday of Epiphany, we watched John baptizing Jesus in the Jordan, where Jesus heard God’s voice saying, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Now Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to a mountain top, where Jesus is joined by Moses, the giver of the law, and Elijah, who was transported into heaven to await the arrival of the Messiah. Jesus’ face and garments glow in a scene reminiscent of Moses receiving God’s commandments as his face glowed on another mountain. Jesus is revealed as Messiah as his friends look on in awe, and God’s voice rings out again with the same refrain: “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”