Author: HRPC Office

  Gen. 9: 8-17, Mark 9:2-9      Transfiguration Sunday 

Transfiguration Sunday is today.  It is not one of your top five Christian holidays.  Likely it is not on your list at all!  Transfiguration Sunday is always the Sunday just before Lent begins.  Remember that Lent is a journey to Jerusalem, to the cross and the resurrection, just like Advent is a journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. The transfiguration event on the mountain is a real turning point in the ministry of Jesus.  From this point on, he is directing his steps toward Jerusalem, toward the end, toward the culmination of his ministry on earth.  So today we focus on the transfiguration and on Wednesday we begin the journey to Jerusalem, heading toward the crucifixion.

Transfiguration is not the same as transformation.  Jesus was transfigured.  His outward appearance had noticeably changed.  Right in front of the eyes of the disciples who had hiked up the mountain with him, he was shining like the light from a lighthouse. He no longer looked the same, but he is truly no different on the inside.  He is still Jesus, the Messiah, the beloved Son of God.

Transformation is what happens to the disciples as they witness this amazing sight– Jesus shining like an advertisement for bleach and the mysterious presence of perhaps the two greatest prophets in Israel’s history:  Moses and Elijah.  Their eyes are opened to a whole new understanding of this rabbi they had been following around.  When they see historical figures talking with Jesus, they make a connection between the ministries of Moses and Elijah and the ministry of Jesus.  And then they hear that he is on audible speaking terms with God!  They all saw the same thing.  They all heard the same voice.  No one was dreaming it.  Peter, James and John’s image of Jesus was transformed, changing their relationship with him from this point onward.

Continue reading “Shine On 2/11/2024” →

February 4, 2024 Mark 1:29-39

[define burning the candle at both ends–light it]

            We want to do our best to be like Jesus, right?  We look at his words and his actions as examples for us to follow as we carry on his ministry on this earth.  Our goal as Christians is to treat people the way Jesus treated people, whether Jew or Gentile, whether well off or poverty stricken, whether female or male, whether family or stranger.

            When I read this passage in Mark’s gospel, I start to wonder about the example Jesus is setting here.  Could it be that we learn from him what NOT to do?  Over the past several weeks we have worked our way through much of this first chapter, the beginning of his ministry.  We heard him announce the coming kingdom of God, call his first four disciples away from their work and cast out evil spirits from a man in the synagogue on the Sabbath.  Perhaps you remember that working like that on the Sabbath ends up getting him in trouble with the strict religious rule followers who insist that that is breaking the law. Now, on the same Sabbath day, immediately (remember how Mark loves that term!) Jesus heads for Simon and Andrew’s home, apparently to stay the night.  The family has opened their door to him and are ready to provide his meals.  Maybe he thought he was going to rest, put his feet up for a bit and have time for food and fellowship with the family.

            No rest for the weary, however.  Right away James and John take him to see Simon’s mother-in-law, who is in bed with a fever. What about dinner?  What about freshening up after a long day?  The first disciples have put something else on his agenda. Have you ever come in from work or just finished raking the leaves and asked to do another task you were not expecting from someone else?  The disciples have already seen him at work and they know he has the power to heal.  Just with a touch he lifts her up.  Jesus gently lifts her from her sick bed, and she is able to return to a ministry she knows and loves—providing for her guests.  Ahh, now it is time for dinner!

Continue reading “Burning the Candle at Both Ends   “ →