The Transfiguration foreshadows the light that explodes

Mark 9:2-9

A sermon for Transfiguration Sunday

During the season of Epiphany, we celebrate the coming of the light. As the Gospel of John states: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). During this winter season the light has been growing stronger. Soon it will explode.

Today is the last Sunday of Epiphany, the Festival of the Transfiguration. In the Gospel text we are brought to the mountaintop. From there we look out over the valley below and look forward to the horrible events to come. What lies below is deep darkness, the valley of the shadow of death. Jesus will be abandoned, betrayed, mocked, suffer, die, and rise again.

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