Pastors Points
Beloved Church,
This Sunday we will be reflecting on Mark 9:2-9, the story of Jesus's "transfiguration" - a story that leaves us scratching our head in wonder, but its importance is undeniable as we mark the end of epiphany and journey towards lent. We are called to head down, off the mountain in wonder, and into the unknown, the same way that Jesus moves off the mountain towards Jerusalem. The lenten season (which starts this week with Ash Wednesday on 2/14), is often marked as a time of sacrifice and preparation. It is a marker in the Christian calendar reminding us that we, too, are called to follow the righteous steps of Christ, even when the road will be difficult. Christ knew what was to come... the rejection, betrayal, the suffering, even the cross...but he courageously went towards Jerusalem, anyway.
And so, we are called to go, too! But as Mark tells this gospel story, the cross is synonymous with the resurrection! You cannot have one without the other.
The work of being a disciple of Jesus is not to simply live the "comfortable life" and stay "high" on the mountaintop moments of our spiritual life together in the church. Things like the celebrations of baptisms, remembering the "golden era" of church, and of course...church potlucks (ha!). These are simply glimpses of the dazzling miraculous light that Christ reveals to us over time. Like the sun, it seems like we can't look directly at all of God's glory in one experience or it will be too much for us to handle. So, Jesus reveals himself to his followers in bits and pieces along the journey of spiritual formation. That is the transfiguration. The unveiling of who Christ is and who we are called to live into as the body of Christ.
When we experience these moments, it is easy to want to build a tent and stay up on the mountain like Peter. But these moments are simply preparation and a refueling station to help us through what is to come in the real work of ministry. You know, like, the "bearing your own cross," part.
Transfiguration is a supernatural occurrence for the disciples (one of many with Jesus). But this time, Jesus reveals who he truly is, and in so doing, the disciples are commanded (by a voice from above) to "Listen to him." But Church, are we listening to Him? Do we believe that Jesus is who he says he is? Or, are we as clueless as the disciples as told from the gospel of Mark?
Jesus gives us a glimpse of who he is in the moments of suffering AND in the supernatural occurrences which reveal what is possible in His name.
The question is, Church, are we willing to continue moving forward in this work, together? Are we clinging to the mountaintop because we don't want to do the real work of ministry together? We know that the road will not be easy, but when we do this work, together, and carry our burdens, together, with Jesus in the center of our ministry together....resurrection is the promise, and it is fulfilled through the power of Jesus.
Can't wait to see you on Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Chelsea
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