Mark 9:2-5

“And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them.” vss. 2b-3

By this time in Jesus’ ministry the disciples were likely confused and bewildered about what would be coming next. Jesus had shown no interest in politics or starting a rebellion and there were questions about whether he really was the messiah. On this day three of those disciples, ones who had been with Jesus from the very first day, were invited to climb a mountain with him. What they saw there can only be described as a foretaste of the resurrection. It’s an occasion cloaked with mystery, and the disciples were described as terrified. To use terms we’re familiar with, they had a near death experience, and caught a glimpse of the resurrected Christ. Of course since that was beyond their expectations, this was a scary time for them and even Peter didn’t know what to say. Only after Easter did things begin to make sense, and so it is for us. Believing in resurrection means that we can begin to make sense of what happens for those who come so close to death that they see the Light. Without Easter it’s only a nonsensical experience that defies description. But with Easter we now have a sense of what is to come after death, and for many of us, it’s not scary at all.

Thought for the Day: What is a near death experience?