The Sundays after Epiphany began with Jesus’ baptism and end with three disciples’ vision of his transfiguration. In Mark’s story of Jesus’ baptism, apparently only Jesus sees the Spirit descending and hears the words from heaven. But now Jesus’ three closest friends hear the same words naming him God’s Beloved. As believers, Paul writes, we are enabled to see the God-light in Jesus’ face, because the same God who created light in the first place has shone in our hearts to give us that vision. The light of God’s glory in Jesus has enlightened us through baptism and shines in us also for others to see.P: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

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 any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

 

 

 

On the one hand, Jesus was ordinary. He was born like each of us were born. As a child, he caused anxiety to his parents. After learning carpentry, he grew up and became an itinerant teacher. When he faced arrest and crucifixion, he became anxious, suffered, and died just like we do. Yep. Jesus was ordinary.        

 

Yet, on the other hand, Jesus was extraordinary. This account of the Transfiguration makes this evident. Moses representing the Law and Elijah representing the prophets yielded authority to Jesus. God spoke, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Jesus was so much more than merely ordinary.        

 

When you and I get to know Jesus, we get to know Jesus for us. We never mistakenly think Jesus is just ordinary. Yet, [TP1]beyond who Jesus is for us, he is something more for others and for the world.        

 

Revelation 19:16 acclaims Jesus Christ to be “King of kings, and Lord of lords.” So does Handel in “The Messiah.”  Yep. Beyond the ordinary was hidden and now revealed, Jesus is extraordinary indeed.

 

 

For the gospel proclaimed in word and deed, for communities of faith far and near, and for all who show the face of Christ throughout the world, let us pray. 

 

 

For all who share the gospel and proclaim freedom in Christ throughout the world: prophets, teachers, pastors, deacons, and lay leaders; for the church and its ministries, let us pray.

 

 

For creation: sun, moon and stars; life forming in the dark earth and ocean deep; mountains, clouds and storms, and creatures seen and unseen, and for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our stewardship of God’s creation, let us pray.

 

 

 

Brad (Lynne C.'s brother)

Karl Olson

 

Sawyer (Michelle S's friend)

 

 

Norma C.

 

Family of Sharon (cousin of Lynne C.)

 

 

Receive our thanks for all who died in the faith and bring us at the final resurrection into your everlasting life, where sorrows will be no more. Into your gracious and mighty hands, O God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through your Son Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

 

 

 

Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us now and forever.

 

Go in peace. Serve the Lord.