Ordinary Time
February 10, 2018
Scripture Reading: Mark 9:2-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!’ Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them anymore, but only Jesus. –Mark 9:2-8
Think back over your life and recall those Aha! Moments when truth became so clear your life changed forever. Most of us experience small points of such light from time to time. I remember reading my 4th generation grandfather’s will as he listed and named his house slaves, horses, and cows by name in that order an identified which child inherited each of them. I sat in that court clerks office with tears streaming down my cheeks. I had known forever that his son was a Captain in the Confederacy. I even knew the family owned slaves, but those were just empty facts until I saw that will. Some of us have Aha! Moments of the magnitude of the transfiguration or Paul’s encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, but God opens all our eyes every day in many small ways when we open our hearts to God’s guidance.
Jesus intermingled with all types of people in all kinds of situations. Rich and poor, people seeking help and people who present as helpless, at weddings, funerals, parties, and in worship. He experienced the breadth and depth of his society. How well do we intermingle with people who differ from us? Do we complete most of our activities of daily living without encountering the other side of life? Have we bought groceries recently in an inner-city market and viewed the quality, availability, and prices of the food? Have we ever shopped while using a walker or wheelchair?
I get frustrated in grocery stores just because I am short and cannot reach the items I want. I was very impressed when a teenager recently saw my dilemma and easily reaching over my head, grabbed the can and said, “Is this what you want?” I said, “Yes, it is. Thank you so much.” He had had a small point of light experience and acted on what it meant.
Prayer: Lord, shine your light on those things in our world that need our attention. Grant us the willingness to step out in faith in response to your gift of insight. Amen.