Transfiguration of Jesus

GOSPEL

(In his “transfiguration” on Mount Tabor, Jesus demonstrates his past and future glory and the glory awaiting every true believer.)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Mark (9:2-10)

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 garments became glistening, intensely white, as no fuller on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses; and they were talking to Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to say, for they were exceedingly afraid. And a cloud over-shadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” And suddenly looking around they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of man should have risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.
This is the Gospel of the Lord

SERMON AT ST MARTIN, SCARBOROUGH

This is how Peter and the other two apostles reacted to being with Jesus at his transfiguration. They said "It is wonderful for us to be here" and I would like to think that their words might find an echo in our hearts as we worship the same Lord here this morning.

In last week's gospel Mark told us that John had been arrested and that Jesus was busy proclaiming the gospel in word and deed throughout Galilee. He knows that soon he will need to steadfastly set his face towards Jerusalem and the fate that awaits him there. Today he takes himself and his closest friends where they can prepare for all that lies ahead. On the mount, in his Father's presence and in conversation with Elijah and Moses, he is confirmed in his vocation and given grace to face his destiny. His friends see a vision of him transfigured and hear the Father's voice. It is these experiences that  move them to say "It is wonderful for us to be here".

We too are on a journey to Jerusalem, with Jesus, this Lent. It's early days. There is a long way to go. The imagery of the transfiguration offers us encouragement and reassurance that it is a good road to be travelling and that abundant grace is available to get us there. If we are receptive, and perceptive, we too may know the wonder of 'A Vision of Glory' and 'The Voice of God'.

First, A Vision of Glory:

"Without vision the people perish" - How important, for example, was Martin Luther King's speech "I have a vision" for the process of black emancipation in America. It has brough Brack Obama to the White House. We too need a vision as we travel our earthly pilgrimage - a vision of ourselves transformed. It will bring us through the pains and persecutions of this life to our heavenly glory.

Secondly, The Voice of God:

"My Son, My Beloved" - The disciples on the mount, who heard the voice affirm this, would never again doubt that Jesus was the genuine article, the real thing. I believe that they, and we too, in this voice are being told " Because of your closeness to My Son you too are mine and I love you".

So here we are in the early days of Lent 2009. The gospel call is clear "Stay close to Jesus and you too can catch a vision, and hear a voice, that will keep you persevering through these 40 days of spiritual discipline and bring you to the glory of Easter. You may face passion, even crucifixion, but my presence will be with you all the way. What is more, what I promise for Lent I promise for Life".

You cannot get closer to Jesus than by dwelling deep in the gospel and by coming often to the altar.

"It is wonderful for us to be here". "Draw near with faith".