{"id":650084,"date":"2024-01-13T18:24:29","date_gmt":"2024-01-13T23:24:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.episcopalchurch.org\/?post_type=sermon&#038;p=300084"},"modified":"2026-08-25T10:44:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T14:44:09","slug":"incomprehension-last-sunday-in-epiphany-b-february-11-2024","status":"publish","type":"sermon","link":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/sermons\/incomprehension-last-sunday-in-epiphany-b-february-11-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Incomprehension, Last Sunday after Epiphany (B) \u2013 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-green-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-green-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https:\/\/playlist.megaphone.fm?e=DFMS4099373392&#038;light=true\" width=\"100%\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-green-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-green-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>[RCL] 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/LE-2024-Cover-FB-1024x536.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-300088\" style=\"width:512px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThen God said, \u2018Let there be light,\u2019 and there was light.\u201d These words from the creation story are recalled in the reading today from Paul\u2019s letter to the Corinthians. The apostle writes, \u201cFor it is the God who said, \u2018Let light shine out of darkness,\u2019 who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In our everyday language, the word \u201cepiphany\u201d is often associated with knowledge. It is often used to signal those lightbulb moments when the fog of incomprehension gives way to understanding. The season of Epiphany, however, shows that human understanding and comprehension of the Divine cannot happen at the flip of a switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In early 2022, a new simulation of the universe\u2019s origins using massive computing power allowed scientists to explore what might have happened in the earliest days of the universe\u2019s creation. In the early days after the Big Bang, for the first 150 million years or so, light could not travel very far at all. Physicist Aaron Smith explains, \u201cIt\u2019s a bit like water in ice cube trays; when you put it in the freezer, it does take time, but after a while, it starts to freeze on the edges and then slowly creeps in. This was the same situation in the early universe \u2014 it was a neutral, dark cosmos that became bright and ionized as light began to emerge from the first galaxies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In today\u2019s readings, the light and illumination of understanding the Divine is a bit like that light at the cosmic dawn. Comprehension is not instantaneous. Even when the revelation of God descends in a moment of transfiguration, a whirlwind, or a chariot of fire, it takes humans time and space to understand and respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is the last Sunday after the Feast of Epiphany. Epiphanytide begins with the visit of the magi, continues with the baptism of Jesus, and carries on telling stories of divine manifestation (or theophanies) in the mystery of the Incarnation. From the Greek word meaning \u201cappearance,\u201d the season of Epiphany continues the celebration after Christmastide, highlighting those moments of divinity among humanity in the life and ministry of Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The last Sunday after the Epiphany always tells the story of the Transfiguration. The Transfiguration is a mysterious event. All three Synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, include this story in their accounts. While there are small differences that reflect each author\u2019s particular interests and literary styles, the main thrust of the story remains the same across these three tellings: Jesus takes Peter, John, and James up a high mountain and is transfigured before them. Moses and Elijah show up, and a voice from above instructs the disciples that Jesus is God\u2019s son and commands the hearers to listen to him. Mark, in furthering his theme of secrecy and the disciples\u2019 misunderstanding, includes Jesus\u2019 followers questioning among themselves what Jesus meant when he spoke of rising from the dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The story is miraculous and mysterious. Fortunately, if one is confused as a 21st-century hearer of the text, there is a small comfort in the fact that those present at the event were just as confused. Indeed, one of the themes that weaves the lectionary readings for today together highlights the human confusion that comes before understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the gospel account, Peter asks if he should construct booths for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. Biblical commentators have pointed out the comedy of this impulse. Surrounded by glory, light, and brilliance, Peter shows himself to be thoroughly human. The transcendent light stands in stark contrast to the metaphorical darkness that shrouds Peter\u2019s and the other disciples\u2019 understanding. They simply do not comprehend what is happening around them. Even when standing face-to-face with the glory of the Divine, there is a lack of cognizance of what is going on. There is a lack of recognition of what one ought to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This lack of understanding echoes the story from 2 Kings. Elijah, like Jesus, is preparing to depart this world. He has his own disciple, Elisha, accompanying him. Three times Elijah tells Elisha to stay behind, and three times Elisha refuses: \u201cAs the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.\u201d Finally, the pair come to the Jordan River. Elijah takes his mantle, rolls it up, and strikes the water. The waters part, and the two cross on dry land. Elisha asks Elijah for a double portion of his spirit, and Elijah replies, \u201cIf you see me as I am being taken from you, if will be granted you.\u201d The chariots of fire come, and Elisha sees Elijah taken up in a whirlwind into heaven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the reading for the day ends there, the story is not quite over. Elisha turns to the Jordan River, takes Elijah\u2019s mantle, and just like his teacher, strikes the water. And nothing happens. He then says, \u201cWhere is the LORD, the God of Elijah? Where is he?\u201d He takes the rolled-up cloak and hits the water again. This time, the water parts as it had before, and Elisha crosses to the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this story, Elisha sees the glory of God firsthand, up close and personal. He sees the miracle of miracles, his mentor and teacher being taken up to heaven. And still, he does not have it all figured out. His first step without his teacher is to falter. He hits the water and nothing happens. In the next few verses, a group of prophets pressures him into searching for Elijah in the desert. His ministry as a prophet starts off ineffective and with uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Elisha is profoundly human. While he may have a double portion of the divine spirit, he starts off like so many of us do: with uncertainty, doubts, and misunderstanding. Just like those three disciples on that mount. The glory of God is revealed, and the human response is incomprehension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a way, all Christians are still finding their way through that haze of confusion and incomprehension in the wake of the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Many of us may, like those disciples in Mark, be asking each other, \u201cWhat do these things mean?\u201d Is God truly at work in the world? In the suffering, in the cross, in the loss? Perhaps our 21st-century questions might differ slightly. What does it mean to hold to a faith with miraculous and supernatural stories such as these?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However we answer these questions, God gives the light of understanding. And like that primordial light at the dawn of the universe, the light of divine comprehension does not always illuminate in an instant. The stories from today and throughout the tapestry of Holy Scripture witness the truth that misapprehension and faltering steps are a natural, normal, and human response to the revelation of God\u2019s glory. However, as we move together, responding to each other and the world around us, that light becomes more and more clear as it spreads within our individual and communal lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">God shows up in blazing glory. And God is the one who allows us to comprehend what the divine mysteries might mean. And as slow as we might be to comprehend the divine light, we can trust that it is still there, moving, transforming, and redeeming us all. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This sermon was written by <strong>Michael Toy.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-file\"><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-b3b08fa1-e64e-40e2-aa72-c286a0be01f3\" href=\"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Sermon-Last-Epiphany-B-English.docx\">Word \u2013 Last Sunday in Epiphany (B) Sermon<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Sermon-Last-Epiphany-B-English.docx\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-b3b08fa1-e64e-40e2-aa72-c286a0be01f3\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-file\"><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-499d8f26-37fb-46d2-863e-7725c581dd94\" href=\"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Sermon-Last-Epiphany-B-English.pdf\">PDF \u2013 Last Sunday in Epiphany (B) Sermon<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Sermon-Last-Epiphany-B-English.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-499d8f26-37fb-46d2-863e-7725c581dd94\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[RCL] 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9 \u201cThen God said, \u2018Let there be light,\u2019 and there was light.\u201d These words from the creation story are recalled in the reading today from Paul\u2019s letter to the Corinthians. The apostle writes, \u201cFor it is the God who said, \u2018Let light shine out of&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":201212,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[32,43,52,1953],"tags":[264],"class_list":["post-650084","sermon","type-sermon","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-epiphany","category-sermons","category-sermons-that-work","category-worship-and-prayer-menu","tag-last-sunday-after-epiphany-b"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":32,"label":"Epiphany"},{"value":43,"label":"Sermons"},{"value":52,"label":"Sermons That Work"},{"value":1953,"label":"worship_and_prayer_menu"}],"post_tag":[{"value":264,"label":"Last Sunday after Epiphany B"}]},"featured_image_src_large":false,"author_info":[],"comment_info":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sermon\/650084","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sermon"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/sermon"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sermon\/650084\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3485649,"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sermon\/650084\/revisions\/3485649"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=650084"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=650084"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.episcopalchurch.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=650084"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}