On Line Bible Study - for the week July 6 - 12, 2009

Lesson 395

The Transfiguration ...

If you recall the story of the Transfiguration (metamorphosis) as recorded in Mark 9:1-13, there are three basic elements:

1. The coming of the kingdom of God is imminent. Mark 9:1
2. The event of the Transfiguration. Mark 9:2-9
3. The conversation between Jesus and the disciples with regard to his suffering. Mark 9:10-13
   

Mark makes very sure that we don't miss this singular fact - The kingdom of God and the glorification of Jesus are intimately tied to the suffering of Christ.

Donahue and Harrington suggest that it is Mark who puts these three things together in ways that influence the other gospels and define Christian theology through the ages. While these are distinct events, they are a trinity in that none of them are possible without the other two. There is no "kingdom of God" for the Christian apart from the notion of the suffering of Jesus and his invitation to his followers to "take up the cross and follow ..." Just as Jesus is "transformed" on the mountaintop, that experience is validated by his willingness to suffer. This is the conversation that the church needs to continually have. What is the call - in your current and specific setting - to bear the burden of the cross?

What is the power resident in suffering? Christians say that there is no "power" in suffering alone. Rather, it is suffering that makes way for the possibility of resurrection - we don't suffer for its own sake, but for the sake of what can emerge from it. This helps to keep suffering grounded in the truth of the gospel. Suffering at the hands of injustice is not in and of itself redemptive. Suffering physical or emotional pain is not in and of itself redemptive. But when we willingly and voluntarily accept a role of suffering looking for what God is going to accomplish in and through it - then the cross becomes incarnate once again.

Remember that Jesus on the cross is able to say: "It is finished!" (John 19:30.) The cross makes way for the possibility of the resurrection!

Could it be the genius of St. Mark that puts this all together for the first time? And, of utmost importance for us is this simple question: Do we get it? Not just Do we believe it; but do we accept it as the gospel truth?

The promise of the kingdom, the glory of Jesus in our midst, the reality of suffering leading to new life - to resurrection - that's what this project is all about. And before this day is over, you will have the opportunity to enter into the mystery ... or to avoid it. The choice is ours.

We will finish chapter 9 in our next lesson.