for February 15, 2015, The Transfiguration, Last Sunday in Epiphany, Year B, Readings: 2 Kings 2:1-12, Ps
50:1-6, 2 Cor 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9
Mountain Top Experience
It isn't at all difficult, these days, to imagine the Transfiguration scene given all the special effects available for the making of films and television. How about in 3D IMAX?! But how much credibility do we give it - do we really believe it or, is it just another story?
The Transfiguration is one of the five major markers in the life of Jesus along with his Baptism, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension. Each moment is spectacular in its own right and each gives rise to disbelief, even among those who were present.
I have to ask myself, fairly often, about how faithful is my faith? What impact do these lessons/readings have on my faith, and, perhaps more importantly, on my life, my actions, once I leave the Sunday service? I have no definitive answers other than I just keep searching, more to discover why I am still searching as much as for answers about my faith.This particular Gospel piece, located high up on the holy ground of the Mountain, reminds me that it's time again to just be enveloped in the mystery, in the shekinah - the cloud of God's glory - and worry less about ifs and whats and whens and just do as God says from the cloud - LISTEN to Jesus. Perhaps if I just listen more and analyze less, then I, too, will have the ultimate mountain top experience when all will be revealed.
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE,
PRAY
Leader: ~ O God of Splendor and Glory, help us remove our
spiritual blinders that we may consciously seek to lift the Gospel veil to see,
listen, and live according to Your Word.
Jesus,
Beloved Face of God
RESPONSE: Transfigure our hearts, our minds, and our
wills to follow you
~
O God of Splendor and Glory, illuminate the halls of governments across this
world with Your saving wisdom and grace. Guide our voices to speak only with
love and compassion on behalf of all Your people. We pray especially for:
add your own petitions
Jesus, Beloved Face of
God
Transfigure our hearts, our minds, and our wills to follow
you
~
O God of Splendor and Glory, enable those besieged by illness or life
circumstance to feel Your healing love within and to know the comfort of Your
enduring, eternal Presence. We pray especially for:
Jesus, Beloved Face of
God
Transfigure our hearts, our minds, and our wills to follow
you
~
O God of Splendor and Glory, let our departed loved ones be received in the
holy whirlwind of Your divine radiance, and may the light of Christ shine
through the darkest hours for those who mourn. We pray especially for:
Jesus, Beloved Face of God
Transfigure our hearts, our minds, and our wills to follow
you
~
O God of Splendor and Glory, we pause
in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt intentions and petitions, aloud
or silently…
Jesus, Beloved Face of
God
Transfigure our hearts, our minds, and our wills to follow
you
~
O God of Splendor and Glory, ignite the spirits of all who lead us in Your
church that they may be a beacon to guide us across life’s troubled waters toward
the wholeness of life in You. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Jesus, Beloved Face of
God
Transfigure our hearts, our minds, and our wills to follow
you
The Celebrant adds: God of gods, LORD of
lords, infuse us with greater strength and purpose to faithfully reaffirm our
covenant with You. May our lives and souls be purified through the dazzling
brilliance of the Transfigured Christ and the mystical breath of the Holy
Spirit who together with You reign as One God, now and forever. Amen.
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