Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Transfiguration Sunday, February 11, 2024.
Thank you for all who attended our annual vestry meeting last Sunday and to all who helped enable us to celebrate our mission and ministries with their reports of their good work.
My sermon message today reflects how in our world often overshadowed by chaos and uncertainty, we long for moments of reassurance and divine presence. We explore the theme of ‘Glimpses of God,’ reflecting on the story of the Transfiguration from Mark 9:2-9 and the significance of encountering God’s glory amidst life’s challenges that then inspires faith, wonder, and deeper connection to the heart of God.
Today’s Opening Sentence
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. – Matthew 17.5
Today’s Reading – Mark 9:2-9
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.1
Your Online Message and Prayers
Click on the above image to view our online worship on YouTube.
Reflection questions for the week:
- Reflecting on your own experiences, can you recall a moment when you felt the presence of God in a profound or unexpected way? What emotions or sensations did you experience in that moment, and how did it impact your faith journey?
- In your daily life, where do you see glimpses of God’s presence and glory? Consider moments of beauty, acts of kindness, or instances of profound love and joy. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of these moments and give thanks for the ways God reveals Himself to you?
- How does the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration and the disciples’ response challenge you to respond to moments of divine revelation in your own life? Are there areas where you struggle to listen to Jesus and follow Him faithfully, especially in the midst of uncertainty or adversity?
- Our culture often prioritizes human understanding and rationality, sometimes at the expense of wonder and awe. How can we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the mysterious and unexplainable aspects of our faith, recognizing that God’s presence transcends our comprehension? What practices or habits can help us maintain a sense of wonder and awe in our spiritual journey?
This week music is again provided by Ryan Van Dijk, our Music Director. Thank you to Ryan for his ministry of music!
A continued reminder that if you are at all uncomfortable being in-person for worship, or if you are not feeling well, please join us here online.
Thank you again for joining with your parish family in our online worship today.
Find out how you can support our ministry and good work in the community here.
God Bless you and have a blessed week. Be well!
Peace,
The Rev’d Canon Rob Park
- Scripture quotation is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.