MARK’S GOSPEL

– A narrative on Mark 8:27-9:37

THE wonder and delicacy of the ecological balance has only started dawning on the human race. In Panama, for example, the habitat depends on a fig wasp which germinates fruit trees, which support animals, which spread seeds to propagate more trees. No wasp, no forest.

Just as we cannot often see these links clearly, so Peter, James and John can’t yet see how all Jesus’ teaching fits together (8:32 and 9:32). But the transfiguration provides them with the big picture into which they could fit Jesus’ teaching about his forthcoming death.

It is like a resurrection appearance in advance. It is literally a taste of heaven that Peter understandably wants to prolong; just as anyone would wish to remain for ever in some idyllic holiday spot (9:5).

The brilliance of Jesus’ appearance (“No laundry could do anything like it” is C.S. Lewis’s way of correctly interpreting the whiteness of his clothes) speaks of his purity and perfection. His conversation reveals he is also superior to both Moses (the bringer of the law) and Elijah (the prototype prophet) both of whom were revered in Judaism.

So Peter’s confession (8:29) was spot on, but the Christ has an unexpected role; he is to die and rise again. Therefore, instead of prattling or protesting, they should simply listen to Jesus (9:7). The advice, if taken by successive generations, might have saved the church from a few conflicts.

Brought down to earth with a bump by the failure of the other nine apostles to heal the disturbed boy, they are reminded of Jesus’ simple assertion of the primacy of prayer in any ministry (9:29) that they must draw on heaven’s power and glory in order to do God’s will on earth.

The transfiguration suggests a whole new way of seeing things, in which fresh connections make greater sense. Faith is the ability to live with apparent incompatibilities, trusting that when heaven’s windows are opened the light which streams out will reveal a delicate and wonderful balance of otherwise inexplicable events.

Love and trust the LORD.