Our Gospel this week is Mark 9:2-9, taken today from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves to be alone. He was transfigured in front of them, and his clothes became dazzling—extremely white as no launderer on earth could whiten them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good for us to be here. Let’s set up three shelters: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— because he did not know what to say, since they were terrified. A cloud appeared, overshadowing them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him!” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
We often refer to spiritually enriching times in our lives as “mountaintop” experiences. That phrase could be taken from this Gospel lesson, referring to the joy and awe the disciples felt being in Jesus’ presence as His glory was revealed to them. These events are wonderful to recall and encourage us to continue our faith journey.
While the mountaintop is a marvelous place to bask in His love, it is not where we live. Our lives and our duty are back down in the “real world” where there are people in need of hearing the Good News. Jesus brings us to the mountaintop to refresh and energize us before sending us back to our mission field.
Like the disciples, Jesus has chosen each one of us to be part of His work here on earth. While we may not have the same wondrous experience they did, we are blessed just as they were with the gifts necessary to share Christ with the world. Enjoy time on the mountaintop but take that love and care back with you to share with all God’s children.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for the times when we share the joy of Your glory. Help us to remember these experiences and use them to ignite our work in Your name. Amen.