In her poem “Sometimes”, Mary Oliver includes these words of guidance: Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it. The season of Epiphany begins and ends with the voice of God inviting us to pay attention and to listen. It begins with the baptism of Jesus, and ends this Sunday with the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus.
Jesus and a few of his disciples go up to a high mountain. I imagine Peter, James and John were not anticipating Jesus’ clothing would turn an unearthly dazzling white; Moses and Elijah would be appearing and having a conversation with Jesus, and they would hear the voice of God saying to them “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” They may have been confused, but their souls were also stirred.
They did not stay up on the mountain. They came down to where they are to live out what Jesus is telling them in both words and actions. We to are invited to pay attention to those moments that stir our souls that are phenomenal and those that show up in our everyday lives.
In our time of worship, we will share inspiring music including hymns and musical offerings from our singers (accompanied by Nara Lee), the video of the images many of you sent of soul stirring moments, a children’s moment, prayer and reflection, and the reading of the scripture passage based on Mark 9:2-9 from Mary Wheeler. The sermon title is the line from Mary Oliver “Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” (From the poem “Sometimes” by Mary Oliver, in Red Bird, Beacon Press, 2008).
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for decades, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with you on the live stream at 10:30am this Sunday.