Transfigured Glory: Jesus on the Mountain in Mark 9:2–32

Mark 9.2-32

This passage begins with the Transfiguration, where Jesus is revealed in radiant glory alongside Moses and Elijah. Peter, overwhelmed, offers to build shrines to commemorate the event, but the voice of God interrupts, declaring, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” As they descend the mountain, Jesus predicts his suffering and death again, and the disciples struggle to understand his mission. A boy possessed by an impure spirit is brought to Jesus, and when the disciples cannot drive it out, Jesus heals him, emphasizing the power of faith and prayer.

What is attractive about God's Dream?

The Transfiguration is a moment of breathtaking beauty and hope. It offers a glimpse of the glory and majesty of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s dream, standing alongside the greatest figures of Israel’s history. The divine voice declaring Jesus as God’s beloved Son is a powerful reassurance of his authority and mission. Additionally, Jesus’ compassion in healing the possessed boy reveals his ongoing care for those in need, showing that God’s glory is not distant but intimately tied to love and restoration.

What is challenging about God's Dream?

Peter’s reaction during the Transfiguration reflects our own difficulty in staying present to holy moments. His offer to build shelters reveals a desire to contain and control the experience, rather than simply listening and trusting. The disciples’ struggle to understand Jesus’ predictions of his suffering challenges us to confront our own resistance to the cost of God’s dream. Finally, Jesus’ words, “Everything is possible for one who believes,” invite us to reflect on the limits of our faith and our reliance on God through prayer.

What is transformative about God's Dream?

The Transfiguration transforms our understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission. It shows that his glory is inseparable from his suffering and that God’s dream is one of redemption through love and sacrifice. The healing of the boy reminds us that faith and prayer are powerful tools for participating in God’s dream of renewal. As we journey through Advent, this passage invites us to listen to Jesus, to trust in his presence, and to embrace the hope of transformation in our lives and the world.

Pray:

God of glory and compassion, your Son reveals the fullness of your dream on the mountain and in the valleys of life. Teach us to listen to him, to trust in your power, and to live as people transformed by your love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.