Show Notes
In this sixth week after Epiphany, Case walks us through a reflection on the importance of recognizing God’s authority in public places, as emphasized in Psalm 50 and the transfiguration of Christ in the Gospel of Mark.
Nuance’s Formed for Formation is a weekly liturgy to encourage all of us to be faithful to Christ in the public square. Join Case Thorp as he follows the Church calendar through the reading of Scripture, prayer, and short reflections on faith in all facets of public life.
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Episode Transcript
Theme for Reflection
A poem setting the tone for this liturgical season of Epiphany:
In the season of Epiphany’s radiant glow,
Magi’s journey a tale to bestow.
Bearing gifts, they sought the divine
guided by the star’s celestial sign.
Baptism’s waters a sacred stream
where Jesus’ grace began to gleam.
a universal call, salvation’s theme
in the ripping currents, a redeeming dream.
Transfiguration, a mountaintop high
where glory unveiled touch to the sky.
Christ’s radiant light, a beacon so bright,
illuminating the path, dispelling night.
An epiphanies embrace hearts align.
Magi, baptism and transfiguration entwine.
A narrative of love, grace and might.
Universal salvation, a celestial light.
Inclusive echoes resound and proclaim
a transformative power, Christ’s sacred name,
teachings embraced, grace cascades,
a journey in love where every soul wades.
Epiphany season, a sacred call
to heed the star, the waters, the mountain tops thrall,
and the universal significance we find
salvation’s grace in Christ enshrined.
2 Kings 2: 1-12
When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel.”
But Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?”
“Yes, I know,” Elisha replied, “so be quiet.”
Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, Elisha; the Lord has sent me to Jericho.”
And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho.
The company of the prophets at Jericho went up to Elisha and asked him, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today?”
“Yes, I know,” he replied, “so be quiet.”
Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.”
And he replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them walked on.
Fifty men from the company of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing the place where Elijah and Elisha had stopped at the Jordan. Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground.
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.
“You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.”
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.
A Reflection for the Public Square
In our next two readings from Psalm 50 and Mark 9, when considered in the context of our public lives, they illuminate the idea of divine manifestation and the importance of recognizing God’s authority, even in public places. Psalm 50 emphasizes the global gathering of God’s saints and the majestic radiance of His presence.
In the public square, this imagery invites reflection on the role of divine sovereignty in shaping both our communal ethics and justice for all rich or poor. In Mark 9, we read about the transfiguration of Christ. There we see a portrayal of a pivotal moment where divine glory is revealed publicly. The disciples witness the transformative power of God, reinforcing the idea that the divine presence is not confined to private spheres, but is to be acknowledged and heeded everywhere. These passages emphasize the need for individuals and communities to engage with God, seeking guidance and wisdom for the collective journey; that journey toward justice, compassion, and righteousness in all of our lives everywhere.
Psalm 50: 1-6
The Mighty One, God, the Lord,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to where it sets.
From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.
Our God comes
and will not be silent;
a fire devours before him,
and around him a tempest rages.
He summons the heavens above,
and the earth, that he may judge his people:
“Gather to me this consecrated people,
who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,
for he is a God of justice.
Prayer of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Oh God, our gracious Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the inspiration of Jesus Christ. Grant that we will follow His way and His teachings as we go out to work for righteousness, justice and peace…Free at last, Free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last. Amen.
Mark 9: 2-9
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)
Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
In Conclusion
Thank you for joining me for this weekly Formed for Faithfulness. Catch our regular Nuance episodes for a conversation with a special guest on living faithfully in the public square. In the meantime, like and share this podcast for others to enjoy. Visit us at CollaborativeOrlando.com to subscribe to our bi-weekly blog, see other videos, check out the events we have coming up and find a number of other resources for living your faith in the public square. You’ll also find us across the social media platforms.
God’s blessing on you.
