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2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. (Mark 9:2-9 NIV Bible)
Happy Monday to you, dear Friend! I learned that Mr. Gilbert Tagle did pass away on Saturday as they expected having had his life support removed. I ask prayers for his widow, Ms. Alma Arevalo, his son, Carlos, and his brother Richard continue. I pray that God bring them comfort them and bring them peace. Also, prayers of celebration for The Rev. Jose Angel Flores III, aka Pastor Joey, pastor of First Methodist of Stockdale, as he was ordained a Deacon of The Global Methodist Church on Saturday at their annual conference in Waco. Joey was a youth in my MYF when I was his pastor in Mission, Texas. I am touched by his call and entrance into the ministry. I anxiously await his full ordination as Elder next year in San Anotnhio
As a youth our church took a group of us to The Youth Assembly of The Rio Grande Conference held at Mount Wesley Methodist Encampment in Kerrville, Texas. For a South Texas boy who had not ventured yet to the Texas Hill Country or any other areas of the state where one could see hills and mountains, to drive into Kerrville was a spiritual experience in and of its own. I learned later these "mountains" of Mount Wesley, were really hills. Whatever. The event and the site worked hand in hand in providing quite the mountain top experience my life needed at the time. At thirteen years of age I had my share of that age-level stresses and griefs, and those were met in the time and experiences shared there with me and all who were a part of that event.
Jesus takes with Him His three closest disciples; Peter, James, and John, to "a high mountain," where they were about to have a life-changing, career and call-affirming experience. I am sure they had no idea what awaited them on this mountain, but their days thus far with Jesus had prepared them for pretty much everything that could possibly come their way. They were not disappointed; quite the opposite - They saw the glory of God in Jesus, and they saw the realm of Heaven in the presence of Moses and Elijah. This event was as if God was saying the mundane and ordinary challenges of life do not compare to the power and awe with which you have aligned. My time at that week at camp made me forget all that worried me back home, but the blessing was knowing that I belonged to God and God was mine. Jesus took the three not to escape their problems, but about seeking a fresh perspective of power and peace. In the same way, we too can seek such perspective, not necessarily on mountaintops, but in moments of quiet reflection, prayer, or connecting with nature. Stepping away from the daily grind, even for a brief moment, can offer a clearer glimpse of hope beyond our immediate struggles.
On the mountain, Jesus undergoes a breathtaking transformation. While we may not expect dazzling white robes in our daily lives, the passage reminds us that God's glory is present even in the ordinary. Perhaps you find it in the kindness of a stranger, the resilience of a loved one, or the quiet beauty of a sunrise. Recognizing these small miracles can be our own personal "transfiguration," transforming our perspective and igniting hope within us. The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus signifies the connection between God's past promises and His present action in Jesus. This reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. We carry within us the strength of those who came before us, the wisdom of tradition, and the unwavering presence of God. This inner strength can empower us to face our challenges with hope and resilience.
The powerful voice booming from the heavens declares, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!" This isn't just about Jesus; it's a message for each of us. In the midst of our everyday struggles, God's voice whispers, "You are loved. You are not alone. Listen to the teachings of Jesus, for they offer guidance, hope, and the strength to overcome."
The transfiguration experience ends, and the disciples return to the valley, the challenges of their daily lives waiting. But they are not the same. They carry the echo of hope within them, the knowledge that God's glory shines even in the ordinary, and the strength to face their challenges with renewed faith.
What can we learn from this passage? We need to constantly seek moments of quiet reflection by stepping away from the daily grind to get a new perspective and reconnect with God. We also need to find God's glory in the everyday. There are small miracles around us and we can be a part of those as well by acts of kindness, smiles, silent prayers, and seeing the awe in God's creation. This will help us remember the inner strength we have; we are not alone and we can draw from the wisdom of tradition and the presence of God within us. Remember also that we can find hope and guidance in Jesus' words as we allow them to transform our perspective and our actions.
PRAYER: Loving God, open our eyes to the hope you offer even in the midst of our everyday struggles. Help us see your glory in the ordinary, find strength in your presence, and listen to the teachings of your Son, Jesus Christ. May we carry the echo of hope from the mountaintop into the valleys of our lives, sharing its light with others and making the world a brighter place; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Remember, even the smallest act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or a moment of reflection can be a beacon of hope, transforming your own life and touching the lives of those around you.
I love you and thank God for you,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
