Weekly Reflections

…for they were terrified...

Mark 9:2–8

There was a time when the idea of transfiguration was frightening, overwhelming.

Today we watch movies like Star Trek and Harry Potter. Our children study quantum physics and string theories that imply there are no more objects; the world is an illusion. And we try to grasp how reality has 11 dimensions. Surely somewhere in there lies an ability to transfigure. In our day, transfiguration no longer frightens us nor seems extraordinary. So what do we contemporary Christians do with this story?

The story is a telling of events in a way that invites the listener to realize something new, or to unfold a deeper understanding of life. The transfiguration shows us that Jesus Christ is ultimately beyond our earthly grasp. We know about his miracles, teaching, and crucifixion. But this is not the whole of Christ. There is a part, beyond all that we are, calling us to journey with Mystery, to value and trust that Mystery, and to grow into that Mystery, the Mystery of cosmic Love.

Prayer

May we not grow too comfortable in our love for you, O God, that we lose sight of how very great you truly are. Amen.

by Betty Lynn Schwab