The Transfiguration of our Lord: Gospel, Mark 9:2-9            

Mark 9:2-9

It is the Sunday of the Transfiguration. It’s one of those places in our Lord’s earthly life that are so high above our capacity to explain that perhaps simply “observing” it is best. Two princes of the Old Testament stand with our Lord in His exaltation. Faithful Elijah. Faithful Moses. And I cite them in that regard because, taking their place alongside their Lord and ours, He has deemed them faithful. Faithful to stand in His presence. Thrilling doesn’t even come close to describing the event. Whether it’s Elijah, Moses, or the attending apostles.

But there is one element of Mark’s account that I dearly love. And he’s the only one who attempts such a description. Take it in:

“And he (Jesus) was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them” (Mark 9:2-3).

I guess one would have to conclude that somewhere in his life, Mark had done some laundry. Or at least observed those who did. I love his comment. It’s akin to tasting someone’s cooking and declaring, “It’s even better than mom used to make.” Mark uses the experience and words he has (miracle of inspiration) and paints the picture for his readers as best he can. I’ll take it. It makes me smile.