The Temptation of Solitude and Isolation

     In this morning’s Gospel reading (Mark 9:2-9) we find ourselves no longer at the beginning of the ministry of Jesus.  Rather we now find ourselves somewhere in the middle of this fast paced, deeply personal, and yet openly pubic ministry of Jesus.  We have arrived at a point in this story which will rapidly become a transition point both for Jesus and for all of his followers.  Jesus is in deep need of time to seek rest, but more importantly he is seeking guidance and counsel.  He has left behind a large crowd of believers and doubters, and now he has taken only three of his disciples to be with him.  They now have gone in search of a place far away from the pressing crowds so that Jesus can freely have an opportunity to discern the true will of God for his future, his ministry, and for himself.

“And he was transformed before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, … And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.”[1] To us these are not surprising events; after all, we’ve either read all of the Bible or at least the major parts of the New Testament.

But for these three disciples, at this time and place, this vision must have caused them to wonder at first if it was possible that they were seeing a false illusion.  However, I’m also sure that once the three of them agreed that they were all seeing the same event unfolding before them; it was Peter who was elected to interrupt Jesus and offer to build shelters for Jesus and his guests.

And this is where I pause to question the very motives of these three disciples.  When I read these passages, when I listen to this encounter unfold, I am reminded of the temptations of solitude and isolation.  Where the three disciples offering to construct a Holy Place of isolation for these three individuals?  Where they suggesting that Jesus, Elijah, and Moses should remain on this mountain top for the rest of eternity?  Where the disciples suggesting that they should also remain isolated from the rest of the world?  Where they suggesting that none of them should return to the world at large?

Now just to be sure that I’m not misunderstood at this point; I do believe that there is such a space as “sacred space.”  I believe that a Church’s Sanctuary is such a space, and that it should be treated with respect and reverence.  That said, I also believe that a Church’s Sanctuary should be open to all who come to worship God in respect.

It is my belief, and the belief of the United Methodist Church, that we, as a people of God, are called to be “Holy” and to be “set apart from the world.”  And yet we are reminded by Jesus and the Holy Spirit that we are also called to be within the world as a beacon of light and hope.  Our Sanctuary has been set aside as a place for us to worship, but it is also open to all people who would seek to be in relationship with the Creator and with each other.

As Paul wrote, “For we do not proclaim ourselves, we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your (servants) for Jesus Sake.”[2]  There is a temptation of retreating into solitude and isolation which comes to every community of faith.  When struggling against worldly temptations and sins, some individuals have found it much easier to retreat from the world and thus surround them-selves with a faith that does not call for them to reach out to their brothers and sisters.

But the voice of God is still calling to us: “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!”[3]  Jesus called his disciples back into the world, and he is still calling to us today.  Jesus is calling to each one of us to reach out in understanding, compassion, and love to all of our sisters and brothers.

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[1] Mark 9:2c, 3a, 4 NSRV

[2] 2^nd Corinthians 4:5 NRSV [Use of the word “servant” in place of “slave” for a positive implication. Rodger White]

[3] Mark 9:7b NRSV