The journey from the Mount of Transfiguration to Mount Calvary is now complete. It began with a brightness so bright that Peter, James, and John could hardly endure it. It ended with a darkness equally difficult to endure. It began in the company of Moses and Elijah and with the voice of the Father. It ended in the company of two robbers, the centurion, and Roman soldiers.
The journey began on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus' clothes being as white as snow. It ended on Mount Calvary with His robe divided among soldiers by a roll of the dice. It began with the Father saying, "This is My Son, whom I love; Listen to Him! (Mark 9:7b). It ended with the leaders of the religious community mocking Him and spitting on Him. It started with three men who didn't know what to say and thought about building three huts. It ended with the centurion not knowing what to say, except: "Surely this man was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:39b).
The journey began with three disciples trembling with fear. The journey ends with Jesus speaking words of forgiveness, and hope, and love. The journey begins with the Father saying, "This is my Son." The journey ends with the Son screaming out "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34b).
The journey began with the pronouncement that Jesus would suffer and be crucified. It ends with that same pronouncement being fulfilled. This was a journey unlike any other.
THE PRAYER: We praise You, O Lord, for this most significant journey. Amen.
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