"Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, 'This is my beloved Son. ... Listen to him.'"- Mark 9:7
"It is good that we are here." I've heard this said by those who go on a retreat and have even said this myself. Even Bishops get to go on retreat each year so that we can focus and grow in our relationship with our Lord. The experiences at retreats can be emotional and profound. We sometimes refer to these as "mountaintop experiences". There are mountains where, on a clear day, you can see over a hundred miles away. You have a clear view of everything, and it can be a breathtaking experience, even transformative experience seeing the beauty of nature and God's creation.
In this weekend's Gospel from St Mark, we read that Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain. It was just the four of them—a little retreat, or getaway, if you will. Then, after arriving at the top of the mountain, suddenly Jesus' clothing becomes dazzling white. Elijah and Moses appear and a voice from the clouds proclaims "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." In an instant, all of that goes away and it's once again just the four of them.
What does this mean for us? Climbing to the top of the mountain takes effort and sacrifice. It's not easy, but once you're there, it's a great experience. You might discover more about yourself and the others on your journey up. On the mountain top we hear of in today's Gospel, Peter, James, and John get a glimpse of Jesus' glory. Through this experience they were also transformed, not in a physical sense like Jesus, but in a spiritual way. They would eventually come to know that after all the suffering and death that Jesus was to endure, and that they would witness, there is glory.
This reality is for us as well. As we journey through life, no doubt we'll experience challenges, suffering, and one day, death. Yet beyond all of that, we are also called to glory – the glory of heaven. So, never lose hope in the midst of the trials of our life. Endure them with courage, and trust that one day we'll be with Jesus for all eternity in glory.
Bishop Gregory Parkes
Did you know...
Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes is the fifth Bishop of St. Petersburg. Prior to his appointment to the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Parkes served as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee from 2012-2016. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Orlando on June 26, 1999. Before answering the call to the priesthood, Bishop Parkes worked for several years in Tampa's banking industry.
