The Holy Prophet Haggai (6th c. BC)
Hebrews 10:35-11:7; Mark 9:10-16
Nativity Fast.
Read Mark 9:10-16
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Today’s Gospel lesson comes to us directly after an important event in the life of Christ: The Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ on Mount Tabour. In the Gospel of Mark this event takes place right in the middle. From here the life of Christ is directed towards Jerusalem and his Exodus, which he will make on the Cross. The disciples did not understand the meaning of the cross about which the Lord has now begun to speak openly to them. First they witnessed this amazing vision of the Lord transfigured and shining brighter than the Sun—the experience is akin to the vision Daniel had of the coming of the Son of Man (Daniel 7:13–14)— and now they hear the Lord speaking about his impending crucifixion and death. How is this possible? It is no wonder their heads are spinning in total confusion. This is why they ask about the prophecy of the coming of Eli’jah to prepare the way for the Messiah (Malachi 4:5-6). They are trying to put together the pieces of the mystery that is unfolding right before their eyes.
The words of the Lord seem to contradict: the glory of the Transfiguration and the kenosis—self-emptying—of the Cross. From a fallen human perspective glory is found in triumphant power exercised over others, while the cross is an utter defeat of the weak. Christ is turning the world upside down. He shows us that power if found in weakness, glory in self-emptying, true leadership in humble service. This is the King of Glory who is coming and who we are preparing to celebrate. Who comes to us in a humble way: born in a cave, laid in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes. It is from this cave that the Glory of God shines and the star from the heavens points to all humanity to come and worship the Eternal One.