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2nd Sunday of Lent Mark 9:2-10 |
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| Background: This is a pivotal scene in Mark's gospel. It is at about the mid-point of the gospel and is one of two instances where a heavenly voice proclaims Jesus' true identity. The transfiguration is the important moment in this story following as it does after Jesus has given hints of who he is by casting out demons, describing the true nature of the Kingdom of God as communal, predicted his passion and resurrection, and referred to his future coming in power. The three specially chosen disciples misunderstand the meaning of what they experience. Peter wants the glory of the transfiguration, forgetting the earlier prediction of suffering and death. Mark indicates that the other two are just as guilty when he says that all three were afraid. Even after Jesus warns them not to tell anyone about what they have seen until after he has risen from the dead, they are confused about what that means. |
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Story: To say that Tom was from a dysfunctional family would be an understatement. He father had died early, a victim of alcohol addiction, an addiction Tom's younger brother shared. His older sister was on her third husband. His younger sister was living with a man who refused to work and periodically beat her. His mother was constantly calling him either to help out one or the other of the siblings or to complain bout her hard life and that no one ever helped her. That Tom had managed to stay married for over twenty five years, be a good husband and a good father to his four children and also be a successful businessman was amazing. In addition, he was always willing to lend a hand with both financial and emotional support when his parents or siblings were in need. Needless to say, gratitude for this help was never expressed. His siblings took it for granted that he should help them. When he was named his community's "Man of the Year" and honored at a black-tie dinner, his family refused to attend. They claimed he was "putting on airs" inviting them to such a function. Among themselves they agreed that he must have bought the honor. Why else, they said would anyone find him special? Mary G. Durkin |
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