Mark 9:2-7

He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" (Mark 9:6-7)

Sometimes the source of our distraction has nothing to do with workaholism, technology, or boredom. Sometimes distraction comes in the form of shocking, unsettling news that changes your life completely. 

There’s been an accident. 

You’re fired. 

It’s cancer.

I’m pregnant. 

Your mother has died. 

It’s in these moments that the world starts spinning and you enter a state of spiritual and emotional vertigo. That was the case for Peter and the disciples on the mount of Transfiguration. Mark says that Peter didn’t know what to say. That’s when God spoke. Or was it a shout? Not an angry shout. Just the kind of “grab you by the shoulders, look you in the face, and raise your voice” kind of shout: “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” This is the “slap the hysterical person in the face” kind of attention grabber we see in the movies. Sometimes we need the gospel to reach out, grab hold of us and say, “It’s gonna be ok! Things may not feel too good right now, but the other side of death is always resurrection. Listen to him!” 

 Mark 9:2-7 NRSV

 2 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,
 3 and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them.
 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.
 5 Then Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
 6 He did not know what to say, for they were terrified.
 7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!"