GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
THE TRANSFIGURATION: Mk 9,2-8
We can begin by reading through the scene and then reading Exodus 24,1-18 so that we can note the similarities between the two scenes. Do you know the word for this type of event? How does this scene conclude 8,38-9,1 which we have just been reading? Look too at Exodus 34,29.
Coming to 9,2, the scene begins with a reference to time which is is unusual in this Gospel. Consider its purpose here; St Paul gives the clue, look at Romans 8,17-18.
What are we told about this mountain? What is the importance of mountains in general? Think of some Biblical mountains which might be indicated here.
Note how the scene is clearly bounded by the ascent and descent of the mountain. Where is the descent?
Who goes up the mountain with Jesus? See 1,16-20 and note who is missing here. See also 14,33. Note also Mark's emphasis (see Mt 17,1).
The last line of this verse then leads into the description of verse 3. Compare Mark's description with Mt 17,2. What is going on here and what is the effect? See Philippians 2,6-11 and also Apoc 7,9.
Verse 4 names Elijah and Moses in an unusual order. What do they have in common (2 Kings 2,11 and Dt 34,6)? What mountain links them (Dt 5,2 (Ex 19,20) and 1 Kings 19,8). Remember too what we read in 8,28.
What lies behind Peter's suggestion in verse 5 and his reaction in verse 6?
For the importance of the cloud in verse 7 see Exodus 19,9.
For the voice from the cloud, look back to the voice of 1,11. What is the difference here? See too Psalm 2,7.
How does verse 8 form a climax? Compare this verse with Mt 17,8 and look back to 9,2.
Now look back over the Transfiguration and the whole unfolding of the message from 8,27 onwards. Consider the significance of the Transfiguration at this point of the story.
Now take a look at my response.
The Transfiguration Gospel
The Transfiguration is proclaimed every year on the 2nd Sunday of Lent (Mk 9,2-10 in year B) as a follow-up to the Temptation of Jesus read on the 1st Sunday. The three versions also take their turn on the feast of the Transfiguration, 6th August.
Mark's account is also heard on Saturday of the 6th week of the year.
Coming down the mountain: 9,9-13
What is the effect of coming down the mountain in view of verse 2?
Two reflections on what has happened now occur. Who begins each of them?
The disciples are therefore told in verse 10 not to relate what had happened until after the resurrection. What is Jesus' intention here? Remember that we the readers have information not available to the disciples.
For verse 10, look at Mt 17,9. Given that there were expectations of resurrection at the time (Daniel 12,2-3), what was puzzling the disciples?
It is then the turn of the disciples to ask a question about Elijah in light of Malachi 4,5-6. Note the echo of 8,28.
Matthew (Mt 17,13) makes clear what Mark leaves implicit in Jesus' reply in verses 12-13. What is the purpose of the Son of Man saying in verse 12?
It's time to take a look at my response.
We can now continue with faith and a healing, 9,14-29, as they come down the mountain and join the crowd..